Building Africa’s Legaltech Future: Inside the Vision Behind Legaltech Lounge and the Accra Lawtech Hangout
As Africa’s digital transformation accelerates across industries, one space is steadily gaining momentum — legaltech. At the forefront of this growing movement is Legaltech Lounge, the platform behind the annual Accra Lawtech Hangout, a community-driven event that has become a touchpoint for innovators, lawyers, and policymakers exploring the future of law and technology on the continent.
Ahead of the November 2025 edition of the Hangout, themed “AI in Legal: The Next Decade in Africa,” TechEstate sat down with Michel Nkansah, CEO of Legaltech Lounge, and Jaleela Zaman, the platform’s Community and Digital Manager. The conversation delved into the inspiration behind the initiative, its evolution, and how it’s shaping the continent’s emerging legaltech ecosystem.
A Vision to Bridge Law and Technology
For Michel, the idea behind Legaltech Lounge began with a simple but bold question — why weren’t more conversations happening about innovation in Africa’s legal sector?
“Back then, everyone was talking about fintech and healthtech, but the future of law was missing from the conversation,” Michel explained. “I wanted to create a space where legal and tech minds could finally meet — not just to talk, but to build contextual solutions for Africa.”
From that vision emerged the Accra Lawtech Hangout, an open, collaborative gathering where law meets technology in a human-centered environment. “It’s not a conference,” he emphasizes, “it’s a community moment — where ideas come alive.”
From Conversation to Collaboration
When Legaltech Lounge hosted its first Hangout, the expectations were modest — around 50 attendees. What followed was far beyond that.
“We ended up with hundreds of people from five countries,” Michel recalled. “That was when we realized how hungry people were for this kind of platform.”
Today, the initiative has grown into a continental ecosystem with more than 450 active participants. Its reach now includes students, developers, startup founders, in-house counsels, and policy experts, all engaged in shaping Africa’s digital legal landscape.
“It’s not just growth in numbers,” Jaleela added. “It’s growth in purpose. You can feel the energy every time we host something new — like we’re building the future together, one conversation at a time.”
Collaborations, Impact, and Community Power
Legaltech Lounge’s impact goes far beyond networking. Jaleela highlighted how organic collaborations have sprung from within the community, including teams that met through the platform and went on to develop legaltech solutions during the Africa Legal Hackathon, in partnership with Because She Can.
“Those moments are what drive us,” she said. “Members have found jobs, mentors, and collaborators through the network. It proves that when people with shared vision come together, real change follows.”
2025: The Year of AI in Law
This November, Legaltech Lounge will return with its biggest edition yet — a continent-wide gathering focused on AI’s role in the next decade of African law.
“AI is transforming every industry, and law is no exception,” Michel said. “But most of the tools being built aren’t designed for Africa. That’s why this year’s theme matters — it’s about taking ownership of the narrative.”
Attendees can expect interactive sessions, live startup showcases, and the launch of the State of Legaltech in Africa 2025 Report — the first study of its kind developed in partnership with Legal Tech Latecomers.
“People come for insight, but they stay for the connections,” Jaleela noted. “That’s why we’re making this year more engaging, with demos, networking sessions, and practical discussions that turn ideas into action.”
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite growing excitement, Michel acknowledges the sector’s hurdles — from limited funding to resistance to change.
“The biggest challenges are still mindset, money, and market fit,” he said. “Many law firms want to innovate but don’t know where to start. Startups often build without understanding the legal workflow. That’s where collaboration becomes key.”
Strategic partnerships, he argues, will define the next chapter of Africa’s legaltech story. Regulators, lawyers, and developers each have a role to play in driving real-world adoption.
“When everyone contributes — from policymakers to engineers — innovation stops being an abstract idea and becomes something that actually works.”
A Year-Round Movement, Not Just an Event
Beyond the annual Hangout, Legaltech Lounge sustains engagement through community calls, newsletters, and online sessions, ensuring members stay connected long after the event ends.
“We want young lawyers and founders to feel they belong,” Jaleela said. “We keep prices fair, run ambassador programs on campuses, and ensure accessibility for students and early-stage professionals.”
Looking to the Future
As the African legaltech ecosystem matures, both Michel and Jaleela see Ghana playing a central role.
“Ghana is becoming a natural hub — forward-thinking, tech-driven, and full of young talent,” Michel said. “In five years, I see Africa leading with homegrown tools and regional collaborations that value both innovation and justice.”
Their vision for Legaltech Lounge is clear: to make African legaltech not an exception, but the standard.
Conclusion: A Call to Innovate, Connect, and Belong
As the countdown to the November 2025 Accra Lawtech Hangout begins, one thing is certain — this is more than just an event. It’s a growing movement shaping how Africa’s legal systems adapt to the digital age.
“We want everyone who attends to know they belong here — in this story, in this movement, and in shaping the future of law in Africa,” Michel concluded.
In a world where the lines between law and technology are rapidly blurring, Legaltech Lounge is ensuring that Africa isn’t left behind — it’s leading from the front.
