Annual Africa Legal Conference Dispels Misconceptions, Provides Legal Education on Africa
April 6, 2017
Michelle Emokpae, a 3L JD/MBA student at American University Washington College of Law, knows that there are many misconceptions about Africa.
As chair of the Africa Legal Conference, an annual event that promotes legal education regarding Africa and its development, Emokpae said this year’s conference held April 6 aimed to “to dispel the misconceptions of Africa through education.”
“We created this unique event to facilitate dialogue, provide legal education about Africa, and connect our legal community to Africa through the law,” Emokpae said.
This year’s conference focused on transformations in environmental justice, urbanization and social responsibility in the African continent. A keynote speech was given by the Hon. Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga, the former Chief Justice of Kenya.
The conference was centered around three main panel discussions: A Shift in Constitutional Frameworks in Environmental Law, Business, and Development in Africa; Advancements in Environmental Justice & Development in Urban Areas; and Legal Approaches to Business and Social Responsibility.
Among the panelists were Nneoma Nwogu, senior counsel to the World Bank; Osai Ojigho, director of Amnesty International Nigeria; and Chude Jidenowo, a lawyer, author, and media entrepreneur listed on Forbes' 30 under 30 Entrepreneurs in Africa.
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