African in-house counsel honored at insights-filled ACGC Conference

In-house lawyers and legal leaders from across Africa gathered in Livingstone, Zambia earlier this month for three days of insightful discussions, learning, connection and collegiality at the seventh annual ACGC Conference,

The conference, which this year was themed, “From Bridges to Breakthroughs: In-house Counsel as Catalysts”, is the highlight of ACGC’s year-round efforts to build a strong, connected community of in-house lawyers across Africa, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between the public and private sectors.

The 2025 conference was capped by “a night of celebration, colour, culture, and community” set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Zambezi, with the 2025 ACGC Community Choice Awards, which celebrate Africa’s in-house excellence.

Described by ACGC as “an unforgettable evening of recognition and pride” and a “true showcase of Pan-African elegance”, the room reportedly sparkled with colour and confidence, from Ghanaian kente to Zambian chitenge and Nigerian aso-oke, as delegates came dressed to honour both their roots and their achievements.

Now in its third year, the ACGC Community Choice Awards honour outstanding members of Africa’s in-house legal community who embody excellence, leadership, and service, individuals and teams who go beyond their roles to mentor, innovate, and strengthen the profession. In 2025, the Host Country Spotlight Awards, recognising Zambia’s most inspiring in-house counsel, were also introduced.

Yewande Bisiolu, Legal Officer at Nigeria’s Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission scooped the Rising Star Award.

“This recognition affirms that passion, purpose, and persistence truly pave the way for impact,” shared Yewande on social media, while noting the ACGC Conference in Livingstone was extraordinary. “I’m deeply thankful to the ACGC community for celebrating excellence across Africa’s in-house and government counsel space.”

Dapo Oduwole, the Director-General and CEO of the Office of Public-Private Partnership for Ogun State, Nigeria, won the Public Sector Award, while Abidemi Ademola, Legal Director & Company Secretary for Diageo (Guinness Nigeria Plc), won the Community Leadership Award, Dr. Rita Kabatunzi, Company Secretary for Stanbic Bank Uganda won the Mentorship Excellence Award, and Julie Ojwaya, Legal Counsel at M-PESA Africa, was recognised with the Innovation Award.

“I am honored to receive the ACGC Community Leadership Award,” shared Abidemi Ademola. “The accolade truly belongs to everyone who has worked alongside me on the mission to uplift and empower our In-house Counsel community through tangible value delivery to our business stakeholders. Thanks for believing in our shared vision and for inspiring me to keep making a difference.”

The team at Microsoft Africa won Legal Department of the Year, while Tech Hive Advisory scooped the Community Partnership Award, and Tayo Mustapha, the Senior Counsel at Moniepoint Group was honoured as the Most Popular IN-House Life Interview for 2024-2025.

The new host country spotlight awards, this year focused on Zambia, saw Kangwa Chishimba of Pangaea Securities named Rising Star; Gilbert A. Phiri, the Director of Public Prosecutions scoop the Public Service Leadership Award, and Mwaka Nakazwe Musantu of Stanbic Bank Zambia honoured as Emerging Legal Leader.

Sharing the news on LinkedIn this week, Musantu said she was deeply grateful for the recognition as Emerging Legal Leader, which was a reflection not just of her own individual journey, but of the incredible mentors, colleagues and teams who have supported and inspired her along the way. She gave special thanks to her former boss and mentor Sydney Chisenga FCIArb, who nominated her for this award.

“It’s humbling when people you have worked with in the past still remember you and keep rooting for you to succeed,” said Musantu. “Thank you also to ACGC Forum. I am proud to be part of a community that is driving innovation, ethical leadership and excellence within the legal profession across Africa.”

Each of the 2025 ACGC Community Choice Awards reflect the unity, pride, and purpose that define ACGC, a community where Africa’s in-house lawyers come together to learn from one another, share ideas, and celebrate progress.

“As we look ahead to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire for ACGC 2026, we’re excited to continue this tradition of celebrating leadership, culture, and collaboration across our growing pan-African network,” said the ACGC while sharing images of the evening.