Strategic Alliances and Mergers Reshaping Africa’s Legal Landscape in 2025
By: Bryan Miller
The first quarter of 2025 has been a defining period for the African legal industry, marked by strategic mergers and alliances that signal a shift towards a more integrated, pan-African legal framework. As global and regional firms recalibrate their operations to meet evolving market demands, these moves are shaping the future of legal services on the continent.
N. Dowuona & Company Joins ALN: Strengthening Pan-African Legal Integration
In a significant development, N. Dowuona & Company, a premier Ghanaian law firm, officially joined ALN (Africa Legal Network) as its exclusive member firm in Ghana on January 30, 2025. This partnership enhances ALN’s presence in West Africa, complementing its robust network that spans East, Southern, and North Africa.
Founded in 2011 by NanaAma Botchway, N. Dowuona & Company has built a solid reputation for excellence in corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, energy and infrastructure, property and construction, and dispute resolution. The firm’s deep-rooted expertise across multiple sectors—ranging from oil and gas to telecommunications—positions it as a crucial player in ALN’s mission to provide seamless, cross-border legal and advisory services.
The partnership not only expands ALN’s West African footprint but also reinforces its commitment to delivering integrated legal solutions tailored to Africa’s unique business and regulatory landscape. With increasing cross-border transactions, investments, and trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), this collaboration will enable clients to navigate complex legal environments with unparalleled local expertise backed by regional depth.
Speaking on the partnership, ALN’s Chairman, Karim Anjarwalla, remarked:
“We are delighted to welcome N. Dowuona & Company into the ALN family. Their stellar reputation and deep understanding of Ghana’s legal landscape make them the ideal partner to strengthen our ability to provide world-class legal services across Africa.”
Mergers and Strategic Consolidations in Africa’s Legal Market
Beyond ALN’s expansion, other significant moves have reshaped Africa’s legal sector in early 2025:
Bowmans Strengthens Its South African Practice
One of Africa’s leading law firms, Bowmans, took a major step in expanding its operations by integrating 57 former members of A&O Shearman’s South Africa practice, including 14 partners. This move followed A&O Shearman’s decision to close its Johannesburg office by the end of 2024, a strategic shift after the global merger between Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling in May 2024.
This expansion cements Bowmans’ position as a dominant force in South Africa’s legal industry, reinforcing its capabilities in key areas such as corporate law, dispute resolution, and project finance. The addition of experienced legal professionals from A&O Shearman enhances Bowmans’ ability to serve multinational clients seeking high-quality legal representation in Africa.
The Aftermath of the A&O Shearman Merger
The merger between Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, completed in May 2024, has had a notable impact on the African legal market. The decision to streamline operations led to a 10% reduction in the firm’s partnership globally and the closure of its Johannesburg office. While this meant the departure of several seasoned lawyers, it also paved the way for leading African firms like Bowmans to absorb top-tier legal talent, further strengthening indigenous legal capabilities on the continent.
A New Era of Legal Collaboration in Africa
The legal industry in Africa is entering a new era of regional integration and strategic collaboration. The ALN-N. Dowuona & Company partnership is a prime example of how African firms are leveraging collective strength to offer clients cross-border legal services without compromising local expertise.
Similarly, the Bowmans expansion underscores how leading African firms are capitalizing on global restructuring to build stronger, more competitive practices. As more firms seek to adapt to shifting market dynamics, embrace technology, and enhance their regional reach, we can expect further consolidation and alliances that will redefine Africa’s legal landscape in 2025 and beyond.
Celebrating Excellence in African Legal Partnerships
These developments mark a significant milestone for the African legal industry, demonstrating the growing maturity and sophistication of homegrown legal networks. N. Dowuona & Company’s entry into ALN is not just a partnership—it is a testament to the firm’s exceptional legal expertise and commitment to excellence.
Likewise, Bowmans’ ability to absorb top-tier legal professionals reflects its strength as one of Africa’s leading law firms. These firms are not just responding to industry trends; they are shaping the future of legal services in Africa, providing businesses with world-class legal support in an increasingly interconnected market.
As the first quarter of 2025 sets the tone for the next phase of growth in Africa’s legal industry, one thing is clear: the era of isolated legal practices is fading, giving way to a new age of regional synergy, collaboration, and innovation.
