Despite the evident obstacles, Africa’s GDP remains one of the fastest growing globally. The ongoing work of governments and policy makers across the continent, though often slow and arduous, is addressing critical issues such as climate change, energy transition, job creation and the development of inclusive digital financial services to empower previously underserved populations.
At Africa Legal, we believe partnerships are fundamental to unlocking growth and turning potential into reality. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement is the largest and most complex example of this, with extensive work taking place daily to unify and integrate the continent. This, in our view, should be the core message for the African legal sector in 2025 and beyond.
Far too often, law firms operate in isolation, celebrating their own successes, deals and promotions (which we fully support!) but neglecting to look beyond their office doors. They often fail to connect outwardly with the sectors they aim to serve, relying on tried-and-tested methods of operating – whether or not these are cost-effective for clients or motivating for associates.
Partnerships come in many forms, spanning sectors and industries, and they have the power to transform an organisation's culture, support growth strategies, and accelerate revenue generation. Lawyers hold a unique position of privilege where they get to facilitate growth for the businesses they serve, challenge injustices, and uphold the rule of law. With that privilege comes the responsibility to evolve – reducing costs for clients, improving services in alignment with economic changes, and embracing collaboration.
Here are Africa Legal’s top tips for partnership alignment in 2025:
Harness Technology: Let’s demystify the concept of "legal tech" – it’s simply technology designed with the legal sector in mind. Start by identifying your organisation's key pain points and explore whether they can be addressed with affordable, off-the-shelf technology solutions. These tools don’t always come with hefty price tags. Embracing tech as an opportunity, rather than a threat, is key to reducing costs, improving internal efficiency, and demonstrating return on investment to clients.
Give Back: Align your growth strategy with pro bono projects that reflect your organisation’s core values and strengths. Building a culture of giving back to the community will not only attract and retain the right talent, but will also reassure clients of your firm’s integrity. Choose your pro bono partners wisely, remain consistent in delivering projects, and communicate your efforts both internally and externally.
Embrace Generational Differences: Managing multi-generational law firm structures can be complex. Gen Z are not typically motivated by the same factors as previous generations. They often resist micro-management and rigid hierarchies, which can clash with older generations focused on delivering results at all costs. Rather than fighting these differences, work to create an environment where all generations feel heard and represented. This may include training senior staff to work more effectively with juniors and adopting reverse mentoring. After all, no one is too old to learn or adapt.
Leverage Data: Technology may help you gather data, but how you use it is what matters. Leverage data to uncover cross-selling opportunities, enhance client satisfaction and foster internal collaboration, among other uses. Combining AI with skilled analysts can provide powerful insights into revenue streams, future opportunities, demand trends and skills gaps that may need addressing to maximise growth.
Develop Alliances: The African legal sector is undergoing significant transformation. With the opportunities presented by AfCFTA and the growing demand for legal services, consider forming partnerships with other firms or joining alliances to strengthen your offering. These collaborations can help you target intra-African trade and foster legal cooperation across borders. East Africa, in particular, continues to be a critical hub for growth, attracting substantial investment interest at all levels and, in our view, should not be ignored.
Partner with Government and Regulatory Bodies: While often challenging to navigate, partnerships with government and regulatory entities hold immense potential. Law firms possess the skills to drive change and should see themselves as enablers of public–private partnerships not just for clients, but for society too. Collaborate with academic institutions and governments to close skills gaps, improve legislation in key areas such as AI, data protection and IP, and protect African businesses in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
As the debate continues over the origins of this proverb, its sentiment remains undeniably relevant:
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
Here’s to hoping the African legal sector chooses the latter in 2025 and beyond.