What is TUKO PAMOJA?
“TUKO PAMOJA” is a Kiswahili phrase that translates to “we are together” or “we are in this together”. It signifies our sense of unity, shared purpose and solidarity as partnering firms and emphasises our cooperation and mutual support.
TUKO PAMOJA 2026 brings together Africa’s legal leaders to shape the future of a continent built on connection, capability and shared ambition. Over two days in Johannesburg, we convene the continent’s most forward-thinking legal minds for strategic dialogue, bold ideas and practical collaboration. Not as spectators to change, but as architects of the systems, structures and legal frameworks that will guide Africa into its next era of growth.
Why this gathering
The conference aims to deepen and expand both new and longstanding partnerships across the continent, fostering even stronger relationships amongst all delegates rooted in trust, collaboration and shared purpose. By bringing together leaders from diverse jurisdictions, TUKO PAMOJA seeks to enhance the understanding of both the collective challenges facing businesses in Africa and the unique issues experienced within specific regions and countries. Through open dialogue and joint problem solving, this gathering creates a powerful platform to develop innovative, collaborative solutions.
This year’s theme
Across Africa, minerals are driving an unprecedented infrastructure revolution, unlocking new trade corridors, accelerating industrialisation and reshaping how nations collaborate, invest and grow. Our theme, “Minerals Powering Africa’s Infrastructure Revolution” captures this momentum and the sector’s transformative impact on the continent’s economic trajectory.
As this shift expands the scale of opportunity, the need for deeper partnership among Africa’s top law firms has never been greater.
What to expect
This year’s TUKO PAMOJA is not only for those interested in mining and/or infrastructure development. Discussions by experts and panellists will also include:
- local content and beneficiation;
- workforce dynamics;
- intra-regional trade and navigating the overlapping of Regional Economic Communities;
- proposals, pitches and winning business; and
- practice area discussions, including: project financing, infrastructure development and PPPs; data protection and privacy; IP and competition; and private equity and capital markets.
Expect high impact conversations, fresh insights on emerging legal and economic trends and sector driven discussions that mirror the realities facing clients.
- Local content and beneficiation in Africa: Compliance, risk and opportunity
- Making AfCFTA work
- Minerals powering Africa's infrastructure revolution
YOU MAY ALSO WISH TO EXPLORE THE FOLLOWING:
- Africa Regulatory Round-up 2025
- Investing in Africa
- Doing Business in Africa Guides
- Africa Business in Brief
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CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
CONFERENCE CHAIR
Otsile Matlou
Chief Operating Officer, ENS
Otsile Matlou is ENS' Chief Operating Officer. As COO, he ensures the seamless delivery of effective solutions for clients across the continent.
SPEAKERS
Michael Katz
Chairman, ENS
Professor Michael Katz is Chairman at ENS, specialising in corporate and commercial law, including advising on M&A, competition law, tax law, privatisation and deregulation, project finance and non-recourse financing, public-private partnerships, and banking and financial markets.
Mzi Mgudlwa
Chief Executive, ENS
Mzi Mgudlwa is the Chief Executive at ENS.
Mzi’s experience includes matters relating to labour, commercial law, mergers and acquisitions.
Bilal Bokhari
HEAD OF GROUP LEGAL, SANLAM
Bilal Bokhari is Head of Group Legal at Sanlam, Africa’s largest non‑banking financial services group, where he leads legal strategy, governance and risk management across a diverse, multi‑jurisdictional portfolio.
DR Jakkie Cilliers
CHAIR, ISS BOARD OF TRUSTEES | HEAD, AFRICAN FUTURES AND INNOVATION PROGRAMME, ISS | EXTRAORDINARY PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
Dr Jakkie Cilliers is the founder and former Executive Director of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).
Dr Marvellous Ngundu
RESEARCH CONSULTANT, AFRICAN FUTURES AND INNOVATION PROGRAMME OF THE INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES
Dr Marvellous Ngundu is a Research Consultant at the African Futures and Innovation Programme of the Institute for Security Studies. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mzila Mthenjane
CEO, MINERALS COUNCIL SOUTH AFRICA
Mzila I. Mthenjane is the CEO of the Minerals Council South Africa (MCSA).
Tamara Gerwel
GENERAL MANAGER: MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS, MTN GROUP
Specialist in mergers and acquisitions, financing transactions (secured or otherwise and including preference share funding transactions), restructurings, joint ventures, and other corporate transactional work.
Thea Fourie
HEAD, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA ECONOMICS AND COUNTRY RISK ANALYSIS, S&P GLOBAL MARKET INTELLIGENCE
Thea Fourie leads the Middle East and Africa Economics and Country Risk analysis for S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Welekazi Jabosigo
GROUP HEAD OF LITIGATION, DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND REGULATORY RISK, NEDBANK
Welekazi Jabosigo is the Group Head of Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Regulatory Risk at Nedbank, where she oversees high value, strategically sensitive litigation, complex disputes and regulatory matters with material financial, reputational and conduct risk implications.
CONFERENCE COORDINATORS
Celia Becker
Executive | Africa Regulatory and Business Intelligence, ENS
Celia Becker is an Executive at ENS, and an expert in Africa regulatory and business intelligence. She specialises in advising large multi-nationals expanding into Africa on the tax efficient structuring of investments, country risk profiles and tax and regulatory compliance requirements of countries throughout Africa, as well as the in-country application of legislative provisions.
Mpho Shadung
Africa Research and Content Specialist | Africa Regulatory and Business Intelligence, ENS
Mpho Shadung is an Africa Research and Content Specialist. She has extensive legal, international relations and Africa-focused communications content development experience. Mpho specialises in research and analysis of the legal, political, economic, operational and related risks and opportunities of doing business in various African jurisdictions.
ENS has arranged preferential corporate rates at the below hotels, all within walking distance of our Sandton office.
- Southern Sun Sandton
- Protea Balalaika
- NH Sandton
To benefit from the rates and/or for assistance with invitation letters for visa application purposes, we kindly request that you contact Felicia Moodley in our Travel team directly.
With Africa Day at the heart of our conference, TUKO PAMOJA creates space to honour the colour, heritage and collective spirit of our continent. This is not a formal occasion. It is a celebration of unity, identity and the beauty of Africa. Delegates are invited to wear African attire or whatever feels authentic, comfortable and connected.
Stand a chance to win prizes for the best-dressed over the two days. Here are a few pointers to guide the fun.
Outfit inspiration:
- Traditional attire connected to regional or cultural heritage
- African inspired textiles such as shweshwe, kente, ankara, kikoy or mud cloth
- Beaded accessories or handcrafted jewellery
- Headwraps, scarves, hats or other traditional headwear
- Contemporary pieces incorporating the colours of a national flag
- A subtle or symbolic element that reflects a sense of home
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