African lawyers urged to lead in competition law and cross-border deals

November 27, 2025 in Business, Trade & Industry by Editor

Dr. Willard Mwemba, CEO of the COMESA Competition Commission, urges East African lawyers to actively engage in competition law and cross-border transactions to shape the continent’s economic future.

Lawyers in East Africa should go beyond traditional advisory roles and take a proactive stance in competition law and cross-border transactions, COMESA Competition Commission CEO Dr. Willard Mwemba advised during a keynote address at the East Africa Law Society conference.

Speaking at the Leading Law Firms Forum, Dr. Mwemba highlighted the importance of equipping law firms with a robust understanding of competition law. “Lawyers should ensure that competition law becomes an active subject in their firms so that they can better appreciate matters such as why competition law is important, requirements for merger notifications to national and regional competition authorities, and the procedures for approval or rejection of mergers,” he said.

The conference session, themed “Global Capital, Local Realities: Winning Roles in Mega Deals, Cross-Border M&A, and Infrastructure Finance”, brought together legal experts to discuss how African law firms can build credible partnerships and take leadership roles in major cross-border deals.

Dr. Mwemba stressed that lawyers should not be passive participants in shaping the economic trajectory of their countries. “Lawyers must be active participants in shaping the economic environment,” he said. He called on East African and COMESA-region lawyers to represent clients more vigorously on competition matters before national and regional authorities.

The CEO emphasized that understanding competition law is essential for navigating multi-jurisdictional regulatory regimes. With Africa’s economies becoming increasingly integrated, lawyers who can advise effectively on merger control, regulatory compliance, and cross-border M&A will position their firms and clients to lead rather than follow in continental business transactions.

“The future of Africa’s economic development requires lawyers who are confident and proactive in competition matters, able to engage with regulators across borders, and capable of guiding clients through complex mega deals,” Dr. Mwemba added.

By advocating for a more active role for legal professionals, the COMESA Competition Commission aims to strengthen the region’s legal capacity, enhance business compliance, and support a competitive and dynamic African market.