Corporate Governance

At Reagan Blankfein Gates Legal Practitioners (RBGLP), we are dedicated to guiding businesses across Africa, including Zambia and the surrounding sub-region, in strengthening their corporate governance frameworks to ensure sustainability, resilience, and compliance with evolving ESG demands.

The Issue

The shift toward purpose-driven corporate strategies that address pressing social and environmental issues is becoming increasingly vital across Africa. This change is driven by:

• Demand from stakeholders: Consumers, regulators, employees, investors, and communities now expect companies to demonstrate accountability and commitment to ESG principles.
• Risk mitigation: Strong governance reduces risks that could jeopardize a company’s existence or materially harm its financial performance and reputation.
• Opportunities in innovation: Businesses that embrace sustainable and inclusive models often find new avenues for growth.
• Evolving regulatory landscape: Across Africa, countries like Zambia and South Africa are adopting corporate governance codes, sustainability reporting requirements, and ESG performance standards that align with global best practices, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Global competition: African businesses must adhere to robust governance frameworks to attract international investors and compete on a global stage.

Strong governance structures that promote transparency, trust, diversity, and integrity are essential to achieving these objectives.

What We Do

RBGLP provides comprehensive support for clients in Zambia and the sub-region to establish and enhance their corporate governance frameworks. Our services include:

Policy Design and Advisory

• Developing and implementing bespoke corporate governance policies to define the roles of boards and management, allocate responsibilities, and ensure effective decision-making structures.
• Assisting boards in understanding and integrating ESG considerations into their governance frameworks, particularly those relevant to the African context, such as climate resilience and inclusive development.

Regulatory Compliance

• Advising on compliance with local corporate governance codes, such as Zambia’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations and South Africa’s King IV Code on Corporate Governance.
• Supporting companies in meeting reporting obligations related to ESG issues, including climate change, corporate board diversity, and workforce equity.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Facilitating effective communication strategies with shareholders, regulators, employees, and local communities to build trust and alignment.
• Developing proactive ESG policies that resonate with local and global stakeholders.

Crisis Management and Investigations

• Navigating companies through crises, including shareholder activism, financial mismanagement, cybersecurity breaches, and reputational risks.
• Conducting internal investigations to address and resolve governance challenges.

Training and Capacity Building

• Offering tailored training for boards, executives, and management teams on sustainability principles, corporate governance best practices, and ESG integration.
• Equipping governments, corporates, and investors with the knowledge to align governance practices with sustainable development objectives.

Our Impact

We have successfully supported clients across Africa and globally in transforming their governance frameworks. Examples include:

• Advising regional companies on aligning their governance structures with global ESG reporting standards to attract international investment.
• Assisting subsidiaries of multinational corporations operating in Zambia and the sub-region to navigate the tension between parent company governance frameworks and local regulatory requirements.
• Supporting businesses in implementing robust governance measures to address shareholder activism and enhance board diversity, in line with the increasing focus on gender equity and inclusive leadership in Africa.

Why RBGLP?

RBGLP brings deep local insights and global expertise to corporate governance challenges in Africa. We understand the nuances of regulatory environments across Zambia and the sub-region and provide forward-looking solutions that empower businesses to thrive in a competitive and accountable manner.

Partner with RBGLP to build resilient governance structures that drive sustainable success in Zambia and beyond.