Top 10 Trailblazing General Business Law Attorneys Shaping Rwanda’s Legal Landscape in 2023

Rwanda, known as the land of a thousand hills, has vastly turned its devastating history around over the past few decades to become one of the most stable and prospering nations in Africa. With a strong emphasis on growing businesses and attracting international investments, Rwanda has seen a significant increase in the need for reputable and skilled business lawyers. With an impressive array of legal brains providing counsel in areas of international and local business law, we take a closer look at some of the most esteemed business lawyers Rwanda has to offer.

Lawyers in Rwanda are shaping the business landscape by offering expert advice and guidance to both local and international clients. The following legal professionals are not only experts in their field but continue to contribute to the growth and development of Rwanda’s economic climate. From effective dispute resolution to skilful navigation of Rwanda’s regulatory and licensing regimes, these lawyers have proven themselves to be indispensable assets to the Rwandan business community.

Listed below are ten of Rwanda’s top business lawyers, each representing unique firms, that have garnered respect and admiration for their contributions to the business and legal sectors. Their expansive knowledge across various aspects of business law has allowed them to represent a diverse array of clientele such as international banks, investment firms, finance companies, and multinational corporations.

Richard Balenzi

As a part of Trust Law Chambers, Richard Balenzi has amassed an impressive portfolio of international banks, investment funds and finance companies as his clients. His expertise lies in lending and capital markets transactions, as well as securitisation. Balenzi also holds extensive experience in cross-border transactions.

Désiré Kamanzi

Désiré Kamanzi is the head of the Kigali office at ENSafrica. Kamanzi is highly regarded in the corporate and commercial field and is particularly skilled in guiding international clients through Rwanda’s regulatory and licensing criteria. His advice also extends to tax matters and M&A and financing transactions.

Julien Kavaruganda

A key player at K-Solutions & Partners, Julien Kavaruganda has a comprehensive understanding of business law concerns. His areas of advice typically include corporate structuring transactions and lending, often involving the banking and telecommunications sectors.

Herbert Rubasha

Operating in both contentious and non-contentious work, Herbert Rubasha is a respected lawyer at MRB Attorneys. Rubasha’s expertise extends to representing clients in litigation and arbitration proceedings, along with offering advice on transactions and employment issues.

Athanase Rutabingwa

Also a part of MRB Attorneys, Athanase Rutabingwa is well-known for his dispute resolution practice in Kigali, that includes litigation, arbitration and mediation. Rutabingwa also garners a strong reputation for his advisory work on commercial, construction and energy-related matters.

Moses Gatama Kiiza

Moses Gatama Kiiza is a seasoned lawyer at DLA Piper Africa (Equity Juris Chambers). Kiiza offers valuable regulatory and transactional advice that extends to M&A, competition and finance matters.

Asante Twagira

Based in Kigali at Corban, Asante Twagira is well regarded for his business advisory practice. His knowledge extends to commercial contracts and M&A transactions, with expertise in banking and finance mandates as well.

Isaïe Mhayimana

Isaïe Mhayimana, operating from Zenith Law Firm, is recognised for his expertise in contentious proceedings. Mhayimana litigates before Rwanda’s courts on behalf of his clients in commercial, intellectual property and employment disputes.

Richard Rwihandagaza

Richard Rwihandagaza from R & Partners Law Firm plays a vital role in litigation and arbitration cases. With skills beyond dispute resolutions, Rwihandagaza is also proficient in project finance, corporate and commercial transactions.

Ian Mulisa

Emerging as a prominent figure in the Rwandan corporate market, Ian Mulisa of DLA Piper Africa (Equity Juris Chambers), represents a diverse set of corporate clients in sectors such as financial services and chemicals.

Collectively, these individuals have greatly contributed to Rwanda’s legal and commercial framework. They continue to provide valuable insights and practise with integrity, guaranteeing a positive client experience.