LEX Africa

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LEX Africa An alliance of law firms in Africa, with over 700 lawyers on the ground to assist your business.

Established in 1993, LEX Africa is a legal Alliance of leading African law firms managed by South African member Werksmans Attorneys for the purpose of advising local and international clients on their trade, business, investment and other activities in Africa. We are proud to be the first and largest African legal Alliance with a Pan African legal team of more than 700 lawyers providing cross-border and local African legal solutions for clients. Our track record speaks to our experience, expertise and success over the years, being consistently ranked as a Band 1 Leading Regional law firm Network by Chambers and Partners. This year, LEX Africa proudly celebrates 30 years of its existence and we thank our lawyers, clients and friends who have contributed to our success. Looking to the future, we will continue to provide world class legal services, empower our lawyers and encourage sustainability, diversity, inclusivity and collaboration between our lawyers. These principles have guided us in building successful long-term partnerships with members and clients since our formation in 1993.

Mozambique has introduced a new legal framework for cybersecurity, aimed at strengthening the protection of data communi...
19/10/2026

Mozambique has introduced a new legal framework for cybersecurity, aimed at strengthening the protection of data communication networks, information systems and critical infrastructure across the country.

Law No. 13/2026, which enacted the Cybersecurity Act, establishes the National Cybersecurity System and introduces new responsibilities for businesses and other entities covered by the law. These include cybersecurity risk management measures, incident response procedures, data protection requirements and mandatory reporting of significant cybersecurity incidents.

The law also introduces minimum security requirements, vulnerability disclosure provisions and a Cybersecurity Fund, together with penalties for non-compliance. The new framework will affect a broad range of public and private sector organisations operating within Mozambique’s digital ecosystem.

With the law introducing significant new cybersecurity obligations, affected organisations should assess their existing security measures and prepare for the requirements that will apply to them.

Read the full news article:

đź”— https://lexafrica.com/2026/08/the-intro-of-the-nat-cybersecurity-system-a-significant-step-strengthening-mozambiques-digital-resilience-via-the-approval-of-law-no-13-2026-1-july-2026/

A strong brand can be one of a business’s most valuable assets, but building a recognisable brand also requires an under...
14/10/2026

A strong brand can be one of a business’s most valuable assets, but building a recognisable brand also requires an understanding of the legal protection available to it.

A trade mark helps distinguish a business’s goods or services from those of others and can play an important role in protecting brand identity, reputation and commercial value. Businesses therefore need to understand what makes a trade mark distinctive and legally protectable.

LEX Africa’s latest article, “How Should Businesses Create a Strong Brand?”, explores the purpose and function of trade marks, the different forms they can take and the role they play in identifying the source and quality of goods or services.

The article is the first in a three-part series and provides an introduction to the legal considerations businesses should understand when developing and protecting a strong brand. The series is contributed by LEX Africa’s Kenyan member, Kaplan & Stratton.

Read the full news article:

đź”— https://lexafrica.com/2026/08/how-should-businesses-create-a-strong-brand/

Africa’s abundant mineral resources continue to make the mining sector an important part of the continent’s economy, but...
12/10/2026

Africa’s abundant mineral resources continue to make the mining sector an important part of the continent’s economy, but mining projects can involve significant legal, regulatory and investment risks.

Understanding the mining laws and licensing requirements in each jurisdiction is essential for businesses and investors assessing opportunities, managing risk and making informed decisions across African markets.

LEX Africa’s Guide to Mining in Africa provides practical insight into the mining laws and regimes across the continent, highlighting the key legal considerations that businesses and investors need to understand when operating or investing in African mining projects.

While many African countries operate under state licensing systems, each jurisdiction has its own laws, customs, practices and requirements. This Guide provides a useful starting point for understanding these differences and navigating the mining landscape across Africa.

Download your copy below:

đź”—https://lexafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mining-Guide-2025-1.pdf

This month, we spotlight Clarence Abogados & Asociados, LEX Africa’s member in Equatorial Guinea; a law firm with a pan-...
10/10/2026

This month, we spotlight Clarence Abogados & Asociados, LEX Africa’s member in Equatorial Guinea; a law firm with a pan-African focus providing domestic and cross-border legal services across a broad range of sectors.

Based in Malabo and London, the firm advises leading companies in Oil & Gas, Construction, Transport & Logistics, Maritime & Aviation, Telecommunications & IT, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Banking & Finance, and Retail & Procurement. It also supports NGOs, development organisations and international institutions.

The firm’s expertise spans Corporate & Commercial Law, Dispute Resolution & Debt Recovery, Energy & Natural Resources, Risk Management & Compliance, Tax & Customs, and Employment & Immigration. Clarence Abogados & Asociados combines local knowledge with a practical approach to help clients navigate complex legal, regulatory and commercial matters across Equatorial Guinea and beyond. The firm is also recognised by Chambers and Partners in General Business Law in Equatorial Guinea.

Learn more about their expertise: https://lexafrica.com/firm/clarence-abogados-asociados/

As businesses expand across African markets, mergers and acquisitions often involve complex legal, regulatory and commer...
09/10/2026

As businesses expand across African markets, mergers and acquisitions often involve complex legal, regulatory and commercial considerations across multiple jurisdictions. Experienced legal counsel is essential to structuring transactions effectively, identifying risks and helping clients achieve their strategic objectives.

LEX Africa members advise on both public and private corporate transactions, including takeovers, mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, management and leveraged buy-outs, private equity transactions, privatisations and corporate listings.

Our lawyers work closely across jurisdictions on cross-border transactions, bringing together expertise in areas such as banking and finance, competition, employment, exchange control and tax to provide an integrated approach to complex deals.

With extensive experience across African markets, LEX Africa members provide practical legal guidance designed to manage transaction risks, add value and keep deals moving towards completion.

Explore our Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions expertise across Africa.

đź”— https://lexafrica.com/expertise/corporate-mergers-and-acquisitions/

Business crime and corruption can have serious consequences for organisations, affecting financial interests, regulatory...
06/10/2026

Business crime and corruption can have serious consequences for organisations, affecting financial interests, regulatory compliance and corporate reputation. Specialist legal support can help businesses identify risks early and respond effectively when sensitive issues arise.

LEX Africa members advise both public and private sector clients on the prevention, detection and investigation of business crimes, including white-collar crime, anti-money laundering, cross-border investigations and forensic investigations.

Our lawyers also assist with pre-emptive compliance programmes, due diligence investigations, enforcement actions and disciplinary proceedings, providing strategic support across a range of sectors and jurisdictions.

With extensive knowledge of local laws, regulations and practices across Africa, LEX Africa members take a practical and focused approach to managing investigations, mitigating risk and protecting clients' interests.

Explore our Business Crimes & Investigations expertise across Africa.

đź”— https://lexafrica.com/expertise/business-crimes-investigations/

Ethiopia’s National Bank has reaffirmed a broad prohibition on virtual asset activities, extending beyond cryptocurrency...
30/09/2026

Ethiopia’s National Bank has reaffirmed a broad prohibition on virtual asset activities, extending beyond cryptocurrency to digital representations of value used for payment, investment, transfer or exchange.

The July 2026 Notice makes clear that activities involving virtual assets; including exchanges, custody, transfers, wallet services and facilitation, are prohibited unless expressly authorised by the NBE. A general business licence, regulatory sandbox participation or approval from another regulator does not automatically constitute NBE authorisation.

For businesses operating in fintech, payments, digital assets and investment, understanding the regulatory perimeter is critical. The distinction between licensed e-money and virtual assets, as well as potential capital-markets, foreign-exchange and AML/CFT obligations, should be carefully assessed before launching or continuing affected activities.

Read the full news article:

đź”— https://lexafrica.com/2026/08/ethiopias-virtual-asset-ban-explainedwhat-the-nbes-july-2026-notice-actually-covers/

Tanzania has introduced new requirements making electronic payments mandatory for a wide range of specified transactions...
28/09/2026

Tanzania has introduced new requirements making electronic payments mandatory for a wide range of specified transactions.

The Electronic Transactions (Mandatory Electronic Payments for Specified Transactions) Order, 2026 came into operation on 1 July 2026 and requires payments in covered sectors to be made electronically, including through mobile money, bank transfers, payment cards, electronic wallets and other approved digital payment systems.

The Order applies across a broad range of sectors, including transport, education, tourism, property, motor vehicles, agriculture, hotels, restaurants and cafés. Businesses already receiving payments for covered transactions have a six-month transition period to establish compliant electronic payment systems.

With the changes likely to affect businesses and consumers alike, affected organisations should review their existing payment arrangements and take steps to ensure compliance within the transition period.

Read the full news article:

đź”— https://lexafrica.com/2026/08/tanzania-cash-payments-banned/

This month, we celebrate Baba Hady Thiam, Partner at Thiam & Associés, LEX Africa’s member in Guinea Conakry, and a lead...
26/09/2026

This month, we celebrate Baba Hady Thiam, Partner at Thiam & Associés, LEX Africa’s member in Guinea Conakry, and a leading practitioner in business law, corporate transactions, foreign investment, and strategic projects across West Africa.

With extensive experience advising businesses, investors, and institutions, Baba Hady has played a key role in complex transactions and major projects across sectors including mining, energy, infrastructure, and finance. His work includes advising China Baowu Steel Group on the landmark Simandou project, one of the world’s largest mining and infrastructure developments.

His leadership and expertise have earned significant recognition, including a ranking among Africa’s 100 Legal Powerlist in 2024 and 2025, as well as being named Lawyer of the Year in the Deal of the Year category by Africa Business+ in 2024.

Baba Hady’s practice reflects the expertise, strategic insight, and commitment to Africa’s growth that continue to strengthen the LEX Africa alliance.

Learn more about his expertise: https://lexafrica.com/lawyers/baba-hady/

Two recent Gauteng Division judgments have reached opposing conclusions on whether cryptocurrency constitutes “capital” ...
25/09/2026

Two recent Gauteng Division judgments have reached opposing conclusions on whether cryptocurrency constitutes “capital” under South Africa’s Exchange Control Regulations.

In Mangundhla v South African Reserve Bank, Wilson J found that cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, is plainly “capital” where it is capable of holding value and facilitating the movement of financial assets across borders. The judgment expressly disagreed with the earlier Standard Bank v South African Reserve Bank decision, creating significant legal uncertainty while the issue remains unresolved by a higher court.

The contrasting judgments highlight important implications for businesses and individuals using cryptocurrency in cross-border transactions, particularly in relation to exchange control compliance and the movement of capital beyond South Africa’s borders.

Read the full news article:

đź”— https://lexafrica.com/2026/08/south-africa-is-cryptocurrency-capital-taking-the-mangundhla-judgment-under-the-loop/

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96 Rivonia Road
Sandton
2196

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Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

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+27115358000

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