Innovative Entrepreneurs
Lead coordination, SME support, capacity-building, seminars, monitoring & evaluation.
Trade Law, Contracts & Regional Supply Chain Activation
Hosted by Innovative Entrepreneurs NPC in Partnership with BMW South Africa and National Legal Institutions on 27 November, 2025.
Innovative Entrepreneurs NPC, in collaboration with BMW South Africa, the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA), SAWLA, SAHRC, the Gauteng Attorneys Association, Veltistos Solutions, Skybound Industries, and the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA), proudly hosted a high-impact engagement on the future of trade law, contract innovation, and regional supply chain development in Africa.
This exclusive forum brought together leading legal practitioners, policymakers, and industry experts to explore actionable strategies that strengthen Africa’s trade ecosystem—addressing critical themes such as transport law, cross-border contracting, dispute resolution, and regional supply chain activation.
About the Event
Africa is entering a new era of economic integration driven by AfCFTA, SADC cooperation, and expanding cross-border commerce. The legal profession sits at the heart of this transformation. This event forms part of the Innovative Entrepreneurs NPC Legal Professionals Market Access Strategy—a national initiative dedicated to strengthening the legal sector, advancing SME development, and driving socio-economic impact.
Key Event Themes
The evolution of trade and transport law
Innovation in contract design and cross-border agreements
Governance and ethical frameworks for regional supply chains
Dispute resolution and institutional strengthening across African markets
Introducing the Legal Professionals Market Access Strategy
Led by Arlene Wilson-Max, Director of Innovative Entrepreneurs NPC, this strategy aims to position South African legal professionals as key enablers of intra-African trade, enterprise development, and investment facilitation.
Purpose of the Strategy
Enable legal professionals and SMEs to access new business and partnership opportunities
Support enterprise development and job creation within the legal sector
Strengthen cross-border trade readiness and regulatory capability
Align the profession with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Partner Roles
SAWLA
Mobilisation, CPD alignment, women-in-law inclusion.
BMW South Africa
Preferential vehicle benefits, brand integration, event support.
LSSA
Regulatory guidance, CPD support, ethical compliance.
SAHRC
Human-rights alignment, governance insights, socio-economic rights advocacy.
Key Note Speakers
Meet the visionary leaders and experts who are revolutionizing the legal industry through innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology
Prischina Pillay
Prischina Pillay has over 23 years of experience in the motor industry, including 13 years with BMW South Africa. Her career has spanned key areas such as customer satisfaction, customer care, dealer training, CRM, sales funnel management, and marketing and events within BMW Financial Services. She currently leads the Corporate, Direct, and Special Sales channel at BMW SA, driving strategic growth and stakeholder engagement across priority markets.
Kaçem Nasri
Kaçem Nasri is a seasoned supply chain professional with extensive experience in retail, business process optimisation, procurement, 4PL, and supply chain transformation. As CEO of TradeSocial in the United Arab Emirates, he drives innovation in digital trade ecosystems, sustainable market development, and inclusive cross-border commerce. His global perspective and technology-focused approach position him as a leading voice on strengthening Africa’s competitiveness and unlocking opportunities under the AfCFTA.
Nomahlubi Khwinana
Nomahlubi Khwinana is a renowned admitted attorney and a respected figure in the legal field, with an extensive career spanning over two decades. She holds an LLB and BJURIS degree from the University of North West and has been the Director of Mtimkulu Khwinana Attorneys since 2001. Elspeth's legal prowess encompasses various domains, including civil litigation, family law, and criminal law, showcasing her diverse expertise. She is a full time Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission.
Yusuf Wadee
Yusuf Wadee has been admitted as a practicing attorney since 2001 and has a B.Proc (5 Distinctions), and an LLB Degree, which have been obtained at the University of South Africa. He is the Chairperson of the Gauteng Attorneys Association, and previously served as the Chairperson of the Johannesburg Attorneys Association. He is a member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers since 2008, and has served as executive member, Secretary, Vice Chairman, and Chairman of the Johannesburg branch. He also assisted with the establishment of the Soweto Legal Fraternity in 2017.
Mpumelelo "Mpumi" Mazibuko
Mpumelelo “Mpumi” Mazibuko is a qualified attorney and commercial legal specialist with extensive experience in intellectual property, commercial law, and corporate advisory. His career includes roles at Kisch IP, Webber Wentzel, and Spoor & Fisher, as well as serving as a Legal Manager for the 2009 Confederations Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and Switzerland. He later joined Coca-Cola, becoming General Counsel for the Africa Operating Unit, before founding Mazisa Advisory Services (Pty) Ltd, where he now advises on IP commercialisation and general commercial matters.
Andile Nikani
CEO at AFSA. Expert in law, M&A regulation and corporate strategy.
Saninke Du Rand
Saninke is an experienced Corporate Advisor and admitted Advocate specialising in contract law, trade law, and compliance. With strong expertise in negotiating and drafting complex agreements, she advises on cross-border transactions, regulatory requirements, and contractual risk management across commercial, corporate, construction, mining, and legal sectors. Armed with an LLB in Commercial and Corporate Law, she is known for her analytical approach, precision, and ability to align legal and commercial objectives. Detail-driven and collaborative, Saninke consistently supports organisations in strengthening contract governance and trade compliance.
Nico Jobe Mabaso
Nico Jobe Mabaso is a leading South African Business Rescue Practitioner and GRSC specialist with nearly 30 years of experience helping professional firms, corporates, and public institutions modernise and commercialise their services. Through his Collabonomics® approach and work with Veltistos Solutions, GCENA Consulting, NST-TC, and Keiretsu Afrique NPC, he champions tech-enabled, hybrid models that strengthen governance, diversify revenue, and drive sustainable growth. A continental thinker aligned with AfCFTA, Agenda 2063, and the UN SDGs, Mabaso is a respected voice on the future of professional services and legal-tech innovation. He is a member of the Institute of Management Consultants and Master Coaches of South Africa.
Speaker Presentations
Explore insightful presentations from industry leaders and thought pioneers sharing their expertise and innovative ideas
Core Components
1. SME Development for the Legal Sector
Targeting 1,000 legal-sector SMEs, the programme offers capacity-building, mentorship, finance readiness, and market linkages, with a focus on women-owned and youth-led firms.
2. Country-Focused Trade Seminars
A continental seminar series highlighting:
Emerging market opportunities
Ease of doing business
Regulatory frameworks
Joint-venture and cross-border collaboration
Creating demand for legal expertise in:Contract negotiation & dispute resolution
Corporate governance
IP & compliance
Labour, tax & immigration
ESG & digital law
Strategic Outcomes
The initiative will:
Empower 1,000 SMEs and legal professionals to expand across Africa
Increase competitiveness in cross-border and domestic markets
Strengthen ethical and transparent legal institutions
Drive inclusive economic growth through professional services
Legal Professionals Activation Series
Innovative Entrepreneurs NPC will host monthly high-impact activations, providing expert insights, thought leadership, and networking opportunities.
Key Topics Include:
Mobility & Transport Law
IP & Tech Law: Protecting Automotive Innovation
ESG, POPIA & Corporate Compliance
Trade Law, Contracts & Regional Supply Chains
Estate Planning & Mobility Assets
Legal Tech, AI & Ethics
The Legal Sector Code & Transformation
Conclusion
The Innovative Entrepreneurs NPC Legal Professionals Market Access Strategy offers a transformative framework for empowering South Africa’s legal sector, expanding SME participation, and strengthening professional capacity across the African continent. Through strategic partnerships and high-impact activations, the initiative positions South African legal professionals as vital contributors to Africa’s growing trade, governance, and investment landscape.
