Chinenye Uwanaka is a lawyer, policy expert, and nation builder dedicated to fighting extreme poverty and injustice. She has a deep passion for empowering people, particularly women and youth, by supporting organizations that create wealth and uplift those in need.
Chinenye graduated with honors in Law from the University of Essex, UK, and has since accumulated nearly a decade of legal experience. As the Managing Partner of The Firma Advisory (TFA), a prestigious law and consulting firm based in Nigeria, she leads a team that provides expert legal, regulatory, and advisory services to clients across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and America. Under her leadership, TFA has represented renowned global entities such as Apple Inc. and LS Scientific.
The firm has also offered exceptional legal advisory services to organizations like Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), providing technical support to Nigeria’s National Committee on E-commerce and Digital Economy. Additionally, TFA has consulted on the European Union’s Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria through the European Centre for Electoral Support. Core practice areas at TFA include Business Law, Energy Law, Technology and Intellectual Property Law, Public Policy, and Government Relations.
Beyond her work with TFA, Chinenye is the co-founder of Africa Policy Conversations (AfPC), a non-governmental organization committed to reshaping policies for the advancement of Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora. AfPC unites young policy enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds to discuss policy implementation, innovation, infrastructure development, and investment throughout Africa. Registered in Nigeria, South Africa, and the United States, AfPC has organized numerous programs in these countries, as well as in Rwanda and the United Kingdom.
These programs include two United Nations General Assembly side events and the US-Africa Leaders Summit. Recently, AfPC hosted an event to mobilize resources from the Nigerian diaspora for impactful investments, featuring dignitaries such as the Executive Governor of Kaduna State. AfPC has collaborated on projects with esteemed institutions like the World Bank, the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), and various federal ministries in Nigeria.
Chinenye also plays a significant role in the Nigerian Economic Summit Group’s National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable as the thematic lead for the Working Group on Innovation and Intellectual Property. She is a board member of Hotspot Network Limited, a company with extensive experience in providing cutting-edge wireless and telecommunications infrastructure, cabling networks, and engineering solutions across Africa. Additionally, she serves as the Co-Chair of the Advisory Board for the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, a $5 million fund seeded by the Ford Foundation and MacArthur Foundation.
Chinenye’s contributions to the legal field and her community have not gone unnoticed. She has received the ESQ Legal Awards 40 under 40 ‘Nigerian Rising Star Award’ and the Outstanding CEO Award from the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She was also honored with the Social Impact Award from former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for her efforts to improve access to justice and provide pro bono legal aid.
Family-oriented and a devout Christian, Chinenye’s empathy and commitment to service define her approach to both her professional and personal life. She continues to inspire and empower those around her, making a lasting impact on her community and beyond.
Read up on our interview with her below
Q: Tell us something interesting that most people don’t know about you.
A: At 17, I won a beauty pageant, which was a fantastic experience. I also have a deep passion for fashion and love sketching designs. In fact, I often create sketches for tailors when I’m having my outfits made.
Q: What inspires you?
A: My biggest motivation is my desire to fulfil my purpose and calling in life. I believe that we are all created for a purpose and no one is here by mistake. So, everyday I want to make my life count. I am passionate about creating wealth and eradicating poverty through entrepreneurship and innovation. The Firma Advisory represents both local and international clients investing in Africa, we also advise governments on policies and legislations that improve ease of doing business and unlock economic growth.
I am also passionate about fighting injustice and protecting vulnerable people in society. I launched the Firma Advisory’s Access to Justice Initiative when I was still a young lawyer with little resources. I used the little money I had for prison outreaches and pro bono legal representation for pre-trial inmates (alot of whom were innocent too). In addition, I have keen interest in nation building and transformational leadership in Africa. In 2019, I founded a non-profit; Africa Policy Conversations (AfPC), which promotes transformational leadership, citizens engagement and data driven policy making on the continent.
Q: Describe your personality using five dynamic words.
A: Driven, Innovative, Witty, Audacious, Disciplined
Q: Can you share a bit about your childhood and how it influenced your career path?
A: I was born in Enugu, but my family moved to Abuja when I was just 6 years old, and I spent most of my life there, with the exception of my university years in England. My parents, who were deeply religious, raised us, five siblings, with a strong sense of discipline and a deep reverence for God. Although I didn’t come from wealth, I experienced both highs and lows, which taught me resilience through both scarcity and abundance. From a young age, I learned the importance of giving back, as my mum frequently took us to orphanages, hospitals, and prisons for outreach. This instilled in me a strong commitment to making a positive impact, hence my decision to study law and fight against injustice. I am also passionate about nation building, which led me to study Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School. Through Africa Policy Conversations, I use my knowledge and expertise to advise government agencies on the implementation of policies that are people centred . Through the Firma Advisory, I have been able to create jobs for individuals and provide support to startups and small businesses which is a means of creating wealth for Nigerians.
Q: If you had the opportunity to go back in time, what would you change or do differently, and how would that change affect your life now?
A: Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve always been intentional about my life, and I believe that the mistakes I’ve made have shaped who I am today. I’m grateful for those mistakes and setbacks because they’ve all contributed to my growth. I wouldn’t trade my life experiences for anything.
Q: What was your experience like studying Law at the University of Essex? And what motivated you to start The Firma Advisory?
A: Studying at the University of Essex was a valuable experience. Although it was challenging at first, I was able to pull through with the help of my mentors. Initially, I wasn’t keen on studying law, but my brother and father persuaded me, and my passion for helping others and fighting injustice ultimately led me to pursue it. By the end of my second year, my grades improved significantly, and I graduated with a high 2:1, just 2 points shy of a first-class degree. Studying abroad also provided me with the exposure I needed.
Q: As a woman in the legal field, what would you say has been your greatest challenge?
A: Living in a patriarchal society, women, including myself face significant challenges in the legal profession. It can be difficult for others to fully recognize and trust our capabilities as women in this field. Additionally, we often contend with objectification and harassment. There’s also the issue of being undervalued or underpaid, with some believing we’re not qualified enough or don’t deserve fair compensation for our services. There are other challenges, but these are a few.
Q: Can you share a memorable achievement from your time as Managing Partner at The Firma Advisory?
A: A big turning point in my career was during the second year of setting up the Firma Advisory when I won a bid to provide consulting services which were funded by the European Union. The fees I earned as a result were a lot more than what the firm has earned since inception. Another turning point was when I won the Social Impact Award from the former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo. It was a huge recognition, one that I am truly grateful for. I must also include representing Apple as a client for about three years as a major milestone and achievement for the Firma Advisory, as well as drafting an E-Commerce and Digital Economy Policy which is being pushed for approval by FEC, championed by Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Q: What do you find most challenging about your work?
A: Running a business in Nigeria is generally stressful, and managing a law firm is no different. I work around the clock with little time to rest, constantly dealing with ongoing tasks and responsibilities. Managing staff, team members, and clients demands significant effort and attention. In the early years of the firm, we faced challenges with clients who refused to pay for our services. Fortunately, we now work with clients who honor their commitments. Another hurdle is convincing people to have faith in you when pioneering new sectors.
Q: How do you balance your roles as a lawyer and policy expert, with your family life? What advice would you give to women who struggle to find a healthy work-life balance?
A: It’s definitely challenging, as my job is quite demanding. However, I make a conscious effort to prioritise family time and compensate for any moments I might fall short. I focus on making every moment with my family count, ensuring that our time together is meaningful and free from distractions. I also pay attention to my health and make time to rest to prevent burnout. Additionally, I have people in my life who remind me to take breaks when I’m pushing myself too hard.
Q: Tell us about one of the happiest moments in your life.
A: There are a number of happy moments in my life but one that comes to mind was when I received the Social Impact Award for my impact in improving access to justice and pro-bono legal aid in Nigeria from the former Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo. I’m quite passionate about helping people so this was a very happy moment for me. I am also extremely happy when I’m spending time with my loved ones and family members.
Q: Who are your favourite people in the world?
A: My nuclear family are my favourite people in the world. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is also one of my favourite people, she’s one of my mentors.
Q: What is your vision for The Africa Policy Conversations (AfPC)?
A: My vision for AfPC is to spearhead a movement that transforms governance and leadership across Africa. I aim to create a platform that empowers citizens to influence the policies that affect their lives. Additionally, I am committed to reshaping the value systems of governance and promoting homegrown solutions to address homegrown challenges.
Q: Can you share some insights on the recent successful projects by AfPC?
A: AfPC has successfully executed several notable projects. One highlight was our recent event in the UK, “Nurturing Nigeria’s Future,” which focused on attracting diaspora investment to Nigeria. This initiative aimed to leverage the resources, expertise, and networks of the Nigerian diaspora to drive impactful investments. The event featured dignitaries such as the Governor of Kaduna State, who participated in discussions about creating a favourable investment climate in the state and Nigeria as a whole. Earlier this year, we organised a roundtable event bringing together young professionals from across the country to dissect sectors within the Nigerian economy which affect youth development and extract actionable solutions to the problems plaguing youth empowerment across those sectors. Another successful project was when our South African community provided support in the recent South African elections. We have also hosted impactful webinars, such as the “Leveraging the Transformative Impact for Philanthropy,” webinar which provided a comprehensive overview of the philanthropic landscape in Africa. AfPC has collaborated with institutions like the World Bank and various government ministries and agencies. We have also convened many programs in Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, and the United States including two United Nations General Assembly side events and the US- Africa Leaders Summit.
Q: What do you think are the most pressing legal and policy issues in Africa today?
A: We need people-centred policies and ongoing engagement with the public to ensure that the benefits of democracy reach everyone. Reforms are necessary at all levels of government, including the civil service, and the judiciary. Leadership recruitment is another concern as not having the right people in the right positions affects effective policy implementation. Even with well-designed policies, failure to implement them effectively due to weak institutions and leadership undermines their impact. Additionally, policy duplicity and frequent policy changes create confusion for businesses and investors, negatively affecting the ease of doing business. Isomorphic mimicry, where institutions merely copy successful models without adapting them to local context is also a pressing issue. This approach often leads to superficial changes that fail to address underlying challenges that deeply affect Nigerians. Finally, government agencies, and ministries need to work harmoniously and not in silos.
Q: How do you see the future of legal advisory services evolving in Africa, and what role do you see the Firma Advisory playing in that future?
A:The future of legal advisory services in Africa will evolve significantly, with increased use of Artificial Intelligence and a growing presence of international firms, which will increase competition. In this changing landscape, I envision Firma Advisory expanding its reach across Africa and playing a pivotal role in supporting businesses throughout the continent. Our goal will be to leverage technological advancements and provide tailored, high-quality services to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
Q: If you were to change something about yourself, what would it be?
A: I can be somewhat indecisive, so I think that’s the only thing I’d change.
Q: What would you like people to remember you for?
A: I’d like to be remembered for my impact in my community and my continent as a whole.
Q: What advice would you give to young women who are struggling with finding themselves or their purpose in life?
A: To young women struggling with finding themselves or their purpose, my advice is to focus on exploring your passions and strengths. From an early age, I was driven by my desire to help people, now I run a successful law firm that provides startups and businesses with solutions to their legal concerns. I also run an access to justice initiative that provides support through Pro-Bono legal services to indigent inmates. In addition, it’s important to not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone to discover new interests and skills. I started The Firma Advisory afraid of what the outcome would be and if we would make meaningful impact. Today I can confidently say that we represent one of the major tech companies in the world, Apple. We also have other international clients scattered in various sectors of the economy. Lastly, Surround yourself with supportive mentors and role models who can provide guidance and encouragement.