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Leading East African business lawyer Asante Twagira establishes new Spencer West office in Rwanda
International law firm Spencer West has strengthened its growing African footprint by collaborating with leading Rwandan business lawyer Asante Twagira to launch a new office in Kigali
A new Spencer West office in Rwanda aims to support the nation’s development by building relationships with key institutions and linking clients with opportunities beyond the region, says Asante Twagira, Founding Partner of the new office.
“Rwanda is fast-growing in a number of practice areas in which the firm already has a depth and breadth of experienced partners who are quickly going to be helpful in further developing the practice in this market,” adds Twagira, who is well-recognised for his business advisory work and brings 20 years’ experience to the practice.
The launch of Spencer West’s Rwanda office - its third in Africa, joining Kenya and South Africa - marks a significant step in the international law firm’s global growth.
“Rwanda is a burgeoning market in several practice areas that align closely with our firm’s international strengths,” says Antoine West, Managing Partner of the London-headquartered international firm, which has also opened offices in the United States and Portugal earlier in 2025. “The collaborative nature of the firm, together with our flexibility, combine to create seamless international solutions for our clients. Rwanda will certainly be a strong part of that.”
Twagira has consistently been ranked in General Business Law by Chambers & Partners Global Guide for the past nine years straight. He is known for his professional, responsive client service and is dedicated to maintaining the firm’s reputation as a premier law firm for both Rwandan and international clients.
Twagira shares Spencer West’s ambition to expand its service offering within Rwanda and offshore, supporting clients wherever their legal issues arise. He was drawn to Spencer West for its collaborative nature, flexibility, and seamless teamwork, which he believes make client service efficient and enjoyable in Rwanda’s rapidly growing legal market. Combining local insight with international reach, he is focused on helping clients navigate new opportunities and challenges with confidence.
Twagira is joined at Spencer West Rwanda by Managing Partner John Mwemezi Rutta, who will lead the firm’s strategic operations in Rwanda. Rutta is a highly respected practitioner and award-winning lecturer, who advises on complex cross-border mandates and regulatory frameworks. Enrolled with the Tanganyika Law Society (mainland Tanzania), Rutta also delivers training sessions in international commercial arbitration for the Kigali International Arbitration Centre.
Drawn from Twagira’s previous boutique firm, Corbans, the new team also includes Ruth Ingabire (Chief of Operations & Head of Finance), Melissa Igihozo Ishimwe (Senior Associate), and Desire Mugisha (Associate), all of whom bring a high calibre of professional experience and dedication to client service.
Spencer West’s entry into Rwanda strengthens its African footprint and showcases its commitment to providing globally connected, locally excellent legal advice.
“With an international presence and a global outlook, we provide comprehensive legal advice on corporate, commercial, disputes, and private wealth matters across multiple jurisdictions,” says the firm. “At Spencer West, we seamlessly blend local knowledge with global strength to meet the diverse needs of our clients.”