Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, doing business in Africa can be challenging without the right legal guidance.
That’s why AfricanLaw, a start-up founded by Simbarashe Makahamadze, a Dubai-based intellectual property lawyer from Zimbabwe, is on a mission to make legal services accessible to anyone across the continent.
AfricanLaw is a digital platform that connects clients to lawyers and law firms in Africa and provides a comprehensive database of legal resources, such as laws, regulations, and court decisions.
The platform also allows lawyers to network and collaborate with each other on complex cases that span multiple jurisdictions.
Makahamadze, who is the founder and CEO of AfricanLaw, says he saw a gap in the market for a one-stop shop for legal support in Africa, especially for those who are looking to expand their business or enter new markets.
“Many people face difficulties in finding reliable and qualified legal experts who have the relevant knowledge and experience of the local and international laws, policies and procedures that affect their business operations,” he said
“We want to make it easier for them to access the legal fraternity in Africa, regardless of their location.”
Makahamadze says he and his team have leveraged the opportunities offered by Dubai, where they are based, to launch, scale and raise awareness of their platform, which he claims is Africa’s fastest-growing online legal marketplace.
He says the platform has facilitated several engagements and agreements that showcase the talent and expertise of the continent’s legal professionals, in areas such as due diligence, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property protection and litigation, and corporate and commercial law.
“Our goal is to empower the global market with direct access to resident African lawyers and law firms, as well as a wealth of legal information that they can use to research and make informed decisions,” he says.
AfricanLaw is one of the African tech start-ups that will participate in the Web Summit Qatar 2024, a global event that brings together investors, industry experts, and tech enthusiasts to explore the future of technology and innovation.
The summit, which will take place from February 26 to 29, 2024, will feature emerging technologies and disruptive ideas that aim to solve some of the world’s most complex challenges.
Makahamadze says he is excited to showcase AfricanLaw at the summit and connect with potential partners, investors and collaborators who can help him grow his platform and reach more clients and lawyers across Africa and beyond.
“This is a unique opportunity for us to demonstrate how technology can be used to bridge critical gaps in legal access across Africa,” he says.
“We believe that by democratizing legal knowledge and empowering individuals and businesses, we can contribute to the economic and social development of the continent.”
Facie Chiwanza, the co-founder and COO of AfricanLaw, says she is confident that the summit will be a pivotal moment for AfricanLaw and other African tech start-ups that are making an impact in their respective fields.
“We are proud to represent the African tech ecosystem and showcase the potential and innovation on the continent,” she says.
“We hope that our participation will inspire more African entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and solve the problems that matter to them and their communities.”
