Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian
The Managing Partner of Famsville Solicitors, Mr. Dayo Adu, has called on legal professionals to foster stronger partnerships to improve access to justice for businesses across Africa. Speaking at the African Corporate and Government Counsel Forum (ACGC) in Lagos, themed “Celebrate, Connect, Community,” Adu emphasized the critical role of a robust legal framework in driving business growth on the continent.
Adu highlighted the challenges faced by African businesses, including limited access to dispute resolution mechanisms and inadequate understanding of regulatory frameworks. “Access to justice is not just a social imperative but an economic one. Without it, businesses cannot thrive, and economies cannot grow,” he stated.
To address these issues, Adu advocated for a multi-stakeholder approach. He urged collaboration among law firms, corporate counsel, governments, and international organizations to enhance legal awareness. Developing training programs and resources, he noted, could help businesses navigate legal complexities more effectively.
He also emphasized the need to strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms by creating affordable and efficient arbitration and mediation platforms. Additionally, Adu called for legal reforms through partnerships with policymakers to streamline processes and establish business-friendly legal environments.
As the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee for the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), Adu underscored the transformative potential of technology in legal services. He highlighted the benefits of digital tools for contract management and providing businesses with accessible legal advice.
Participants at the ACGC lauded Adu’s vision and echoed his call for action. ACGC Co-founder Nankunda Katangaza and Temitope Sowunmi of Famsville noted that with effective partnerships, Africa could break down barriers hindering its economic potential. “This is a wake-up call for the legal community. By working together, we can unlock Africa’s commercial law practice and economic opportunities,” Sowunmi added.
The ACGC remains a pivotal platform for legal and corporate leaders to explore innovative solutions for overcoming the continent’s business challenges.
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