With some of the world’s fast-growing economies, large youthful populations, and increasing disposable income, Tanzania and East Africa are attracting increased attention from multinationals as markets for growth, says the newly appointed ALN Tanzania partner, Chris Green.
“I think the story in Tanzania and across East Africa has changed dramatically since I was last based here,” says Green, an M&A expert who recently returned to Dar es Salaam after spending recent years as managing partner of global firm Hogan Lovells’ South African office. “There's a buzz around the city, and I'm really confident and optimistic about what we can achieve here.”
Given the importance he places on the transformative economic and societal role played by significant cross-border African transactions, Green was keen to practice with a truly African law firm. Joining the partnership of ALN Tanzania was a natural progression after he spent a lot of time working with them on transactions and developed deep admiration and respect for the ALN team, their pan-African approach and vision.
Green previously practised in Tanzania during a more difficult economic period where he worked on several market exits for big multinationals. He is excited by the opportunity to now use his rich expertise to help local and international clients invest across a diverse array of sectors.
“Obviously mining and natural resources are always going to be a critical part of Tanzania’s economy, but we’re seeing increased levels of interest in dynamic sectors like fintech, hospitality, agriculture, financial services, and more,” he says. “I think the fact the government in Tanzania has adopted a pragmatic approach and is putting its best foot forward in terms of encouraging and promoting investment has really had a telling effect.”
Green also sees big opportunities for East African investment potentially growing out of what may be seen as one of the biggest challenges: dealing with regulatory complexity.
“As advisors, I think there’s an opportunity to work closely with government to understand what its imperatives are, what’s guiding their decision-making, then hopefully provide input from our side to try and shape those regulatory frameworks in places where there's still work to do, and in doing that really drive forward the investment environment.”
It is preferable, notes Green, to create a collaborative approach with regulators, rather than an antagonistic or transactional one. This can include sharing helpful learnings that the lawyers may have from working with previous clients or in international jurisdictions.
In addition, Green believes the ongoing implementation of AfCFTA, effectively creating a single market of a billion plus people, open trade routes and ability to access young dynamic populations, will have “a remarkably positive impact on investment” across the continent.
He’s looking forward to playing a role in mentoring the younger lawyers at ALN Tanzania and helping train and build the team and, with the rest of the partners, particularly Shemane Amin and Geofrey Dimoso in Tanzania, lead organic growth at the firm. “We see ourselves as a leading firm in the market with ambition to do even more, and my immediate goal is to work closely with the rest of the partners and, indeed, all of the ALN firms across the continent, to further enhance our cross-border transactional offering to our enviable corporate and institutional client-base.”
ALN Tanzania | Anjarwalla & Khanna Tanzania in partnership with Bankable, are hosting a C-suite event at Hyatt Regency, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (EAT) on 6 February 2025.
Under the theme The Future of Africa’s Economy: Leveraging Trade, Technology & Regional Integration in a Shifting World, discussions will focus on unlocking Africa’s economic potential through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), driving economic transformation through digital innovation and emerging technologies, and strengthening regional integration through strategic collaboration and infrastructure development.
The event will also explore Africa's adaptability to shifting global dynamics, including geopolitical changes and climate challenges, with an emphasis on actionable strategies for sustainable growth and enhanced global competitiveness.
This dynamic gathering will feature an esteemed lineup of speakers and panelists, including prominent private sector investors and thought leaders from diverse industries. A networking cocktail will follow.
Please note that this is an invitation only event and invitations are not transferrable without prior approval. To attend please send an email to alnevents@aln.africa or register here