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The Fundamentals of Business Law for Entrepreneurs

$15 | Self Paced | Course now open

Course Overview


Starting and growing a business can be a long and daunting journey. Taking an initial concept from the “idea” stage into a high-growth business is not an easy process, so it is critical to ensure the correct legal foundation is in place from the outset.

This one-hour course is designed for emerging African entrepreneurs. Leading African lawyers will explain what you need to consider from a legal perspective when growing your business, as well as important considerations to take into account when choosing a law firm to partner with. It provides the platform of legal knowledge required to begin to grow a business and mitigate risk from day one.

The instructors will answer the following questions:

  • When do I need a layer?
  • How do I choose a lawyer to help me?
  • What business structures are available and how do I choose the right one?
  • What does governance mean and what are the responsibilities of a director?
  • What is the role of a board and do I need one?
  • What is compliance and integrated reporting, and why are both important for investment?
  • What types of financing are available to grow my business?

This will help you:

  • Select the firm that is best suited to growing your business.
  • Become investment ready and investment worthy.
  • Align your foundations with your vision and strategy.
  • Turn your idea into a successful business.
  • Start to protect your business, brand and IP.

Is this course for you?


If you’re an African entrepreneur or business owner who is looking to start or develop their business in the right way, then this course is for you.

Your Course Instructors

Nelson Ashitiva

Nelson Ashitiva

Senior Partner and Head of Strategy | Ashitiva Advocates LLP

Nelson is an acknowledged leading professional in fields including mergers & acquisitions, capital markets, corporate/commercial transactions and investments. He regularly advises boards of private and publicity listed companies on capital raising, corporate governance, business strategy and listing regulations in Kenya.

Beyond the law, Nelson sits on the boards of several charitable causes such as Corner Stone Preparatory, Alternatives Africa, Nafisika Trust and Karibu Children's Centre. He is also a board member of ESAL Africa, Third Avenue Capital, Afya Swichnet LLP and FAET.


Alice Namuli Blazevic

Alice Namuli Blazevic

Partner | Head of Tech and Innovations at Katende , Ssempebwa & Co Advocates

Alice is an award winning lawyer (Top 5 Most Influential Women in LegalTech by the International Legal Tech Association 2020 and Top 5 Cybersecurity Professional Global Influencer by IFSEC Global 2021), innovator, international speaker and author. She has over 16 years' experience and now specializes in Technology and the law with a keen interest in Artificial Intelligence , Blockchain, Crypto currencies, Fintechs , Cyberlaw and Data Protection. She represents some of the largest Fintechs and Blockchain Technology based businesses which are reshaping the mode of doing business in Africa.

Alice is also the cybersecurity expert for the Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in Africa at the University of Stellenbosch.


Scott Cowan

Scott Cowan

Founder and CEO | Africa Legal

Scott has over 20 years’ experience building businesses in the legal, financial services and recruitment sectors. His experience of the African legal sector stems from the last ten years and he is regularly requested as a speaker and commentator. Scott is also chairman of the African advisory board of Save the Children.



This course is produced by Africa Legal in collaboration with Liquid Intelligence Technologies


Liquid Labs Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a pan-African technology group present in more than 20 countries, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure.


Africa Legal Africa Legal is a pan-African media, recruitment and learning company providing daily news, research, courses and jobs for the pan African legal community.

Liquid Labs and Africa Legal have produced this course to demystify the foundations of business law for entrepreneurs to facilitate and support business growth across Africa.



This course is eligible for 1 CPD point from the United Kingdom CPD Standards Office, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or associated with, professional bodies.


This course includes:

  • One hour’s worth of learning with resources for additional study.
  • Discussion forums – meet colleagues from around the world
  • Real-world case studies and scenarios – you will learn by example
  • Option to save data – switch off the video and download or read the transcript
  • Points towards continuous professional development
  • Completion certificate
  • Self paced – access the course wherever and whenever it suits you

Frequently Asked Questions:

What web browser should I use?

The Open edX platform works best with current versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or with Internet Explorer version 9 and above.
See our list of supported browsers for the most up-to-date information.

Who should take this course? 

This course is aimed at entrepreneurs and business owners in Africa.

How long will it take me to complete the course?

The course should take you about one hour, not including optional activities, discussions and extra reading materials. Once you are enrolled in the course, you can work through the content at your own pace. Feel free to access any part of the content at any time.

How do I access the course?

You will need to purchase a seat on the course. To do this please sign in to Africa-Legal. If you don’t yet have an account with Africa Legal follow the steps to sign up and then press the enrol button.

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Is your employer paying for the course?
Get in touch with our corporate team by emailing sales@africa-legal.com

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