A legal consultant with De Legal Pilots, Aduware Osemwegie, has called for harmonised legal frameworks to boost inter-African collaboration and economic integration.
  
Osemwegie noted that despite growing calls for regional integration, many African countries still require foreign lawyers to obtain local licences before they can offer legal services within their jurisdictions. 
  
According to her, this requirement is largely due to the continent’s diverse legal systems and procedures.
  
“Most African countries have different laws and legal procedures. So, non-locals are licensed before they can practice, as this underscores a deep understanding of the legal system in that country,” she explained.
  
Sharing her experience with The Guardian, she acknowledged that the diversity of legal systems makes such regulations understandable, but stressed that the current arrangement continues to hinder seamless legal practice, especially in an era of increasing cross-border trade and investment within Africa.
  
Despite these challenges, Osemwegie advocated a continent-wide dialogue on easing restrictions to cross-border legal practice, particularly in areas such as inter-African trade, commercial law, and dispute resolution. 
  
She argued that the mutual recognition of legal qualifications among African countries could significantly enhance trade flows and regional cooperation.
  
Drawing comparisons with Europe, Osemwegie referenced the European Union’s (EU) directive on mutual professional recognition, which allows professionals, including lawyers, to practise freely across EU member states. 
  
She said the policy played a key role in strengthening the EU’s Single Market system.
  
According to her, Africa could adopt a similar model by leveraging existing regional institutions such as the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
  
“These institutions could establish regional legal training centres that provide certification in cross-border legal procedures. They could create a structured pathway for lawyers to gain the competence needed to work beyond their home countries. 
  
“This would also give governments a stronger basis to develop policies that allow for cross-border legal practice,” she stated.
  
Osemwegie emphasised that legal services should be viewed as a critical component of economic integration across the continent.
  
“Law is part of trade, and if we are serious about integration, then legal services must be part of the conversation,” she added.
  
She further called for the strengthening of regional bar associations and legal networks, noting that such organisations could play a vital role in supporting lawyers through training, policy engagement, and knowledge-sharing, noting that a more coordinated legal profession would not only support African lawyers but also contribute to stronger institutions, improved investor confidence, and deeper continental integration.