On The Horizon
The most expansive coverage of the African GC perspective.
As Africa's legal landscape evolves, capturing the experiences of General Counsels (GCs) is crucial. ACGC and Afriwise have partnered on a groundbreaking research initiative, providing the most comprehensive study on the realities of GCs and in-house legal professionals across the continent. This research report uncovers the challenges, disruptions, and opportunities shaping the future of Africa's legal profession.
Key Insights and Takeaways
Regulatory Complexity and Compliance: Navigating the Future
The evolving regulatory landscape across African countries presents a significant challenge for in-house legal teams. General Counsels (GCs) across Africa are increasingly overwhelmed by the rapid changes in regulations, with many jurisdictions introducing new compliance requirements that are difficult to track manually. The report highlights that a staggering 56% of respondents identified the changing regulatory demands as their top challenge. The need for comprehensive, real-time legal intelligence is paramount, yet only a small percentage of legal teams are leveraging tools to streamline compliance tracking, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses to enhance their legal operations with technology.
Expanding Role of General Counsel: From Legal Advisor to Business Enabler
General Counsel roles in Africa are no longer confined to legal advisory functions. The survey reveals that over 80% of GCs also manage compliance and take on broader responsibilities such as overseeing ethics and government relations. This shift is driven by the need for GCs to contribute strategically to their organizations, especially in managing risk and aligning legal strategies with business goals. With 75% of legal teams expected to provide input across various business functions, GCs are now integral to the strategic decision-making process, further emphasizing the increasing importance of their roles in driving business success.
Technology Adoption and the Future of Legal Operations
The report underscores the growing recognition of technology’s importance in legal departments. While 70% of respondents agree on the need for in-country legal intelligence, the adoption of legal technology lags behind. The contradiction between recognizing the need for technological solutions and the slow pace of their adoption indicates a significant gap. The legal profession in Africa must embrace digital transformation to streamline processes like contract management, regulatory compliance, and data privacy management. Legal teams that invest in AI and automation will likely have a competitive edge, enabling them to handle increasing workloads with limited resources effectively.
To thrive in Africa’s dynamic legal landscape, this report is the compass every professional needs.
