WIREDGOV

Growing exports for the UK’s prestigious legal services in Africa was the focus of a virtual conference hosted yesterday (22 April) by the Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland.

• Event to boost UK legal services in new and emerging markets
• Discussions will centre on sharing expertise and building lasting partnerships
• Follows first ever UK-Africa online trade mission in December

The one-day event was part of the Ministry of Justice’s Legal Services are GREAT (LSAG) campaign that promotes the strength of English and Welsh law, the UK’s legal expertise and its world-renowned independent judiciary to some of the fastest growing overseas markets for legal services.

The conference brought together legal experts from the UK and the African continent, serving as a platform for international collaboration between the regions which generated £160m worth in legal services exports for the UK in 2018 alone.

Delegates heard speeches from a range of industry leaders, seeking to foster long-term relationships and promote UK expertise on key issues such as legal technology and dispute resolution.

Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland QC MP, yesterday said:

I’m delighted to host this virtual UK-Africa legal services conference, building on the success of last year’s trade mission.

Events such as this will make sure we continue to forge vital partnerships to grow the sector internationally, while showcasing the unique expertise and exceptional talent we have to offer.

Legal services contribute a massive £22bn to the UK economy and will be crucial to ensuring we build back better from the global pandemic.

Yesterday’s event aimed to build on the success of the first trade mission for UK-Africa legal services in December, while further establishing the UK legal sector as the pre-eminent partner of choice for African businesses and law firms.

Legal professionals from across the continent were in attendance, including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, Egypt, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Angola.

Drawing on his experience in commercial law, both in litigation and international arbitration, Lord Wolfson QC, gave a keynote address to underline the strength of the UK-Africa partnership.

Lord Wolfson QC, yesterday said:

I am committed to playing a role in fostering collaboration and mutually beneficial growth between the UK and our overseas partners.

As demonstrated by improving political stability, consistent economic growth and an increased focus on in-demand industries including technology, countries across the African continent will be at the fore of the global economy as the 21st century progresses.

There are many exciting opportunities for us all to seize, which hold the promise of mutual future prosperity.

Click here for the full press release