Bowmans has once again demonstrated its strength in handling complex legal matters, earning outstanding recognition in the 2026 Chambers and Partners Global Guide (Chambers) published on 12 February 2026.

The firm received 44 practice rankings across all six jurisdictions in which it operates, with 24 of these awarded top-band status. In addition, 111 Bowmans lawyers secured a total of 137 individual rankings. This accomplishment underscores the depth of the firm’s expertise and the trust placed in it by clients across the continent.

Chambers evaluates leading law firms and practitioners across more than 200 jurisdictions through detailed submissions, interviews, and client insights.

Chairman and senior partner, Ezra Davids, says, ‘We are very pleased and most grateful to our clients for this recognition by Chambers of our standing as the pre-eminent African law firm.’  

Feedback from the researchers and client comments included in the publication provide insight into the firm’s pan-African expertise. For example:

• Africa-wide: Banking & Finance – ‘has extensive experience spanning the full gamut of the practice area, and is regularly sought out by international law firms to act as local counsel in key African jurisdictions.’
• Africa-wide: Corporate/ M&A & Private Equity – ‘regularly advises on high value and cutting-edge M&A transactions, and is frequently to be seen counselling PE funds on buyouts. Alongside its own impressive continental platform, Bowmans maintains close relations with standout law firms in Ethiopia and Nigeria.’
• Africa-wide: Dispute Resolution – ‘a leading African law firm which is frequently mandated on high value disputes…Its lawyers are well versed in commercial and contractual disputes, with additional activity in arbitration and corporate investigations.’
• Kenya: Corporate/ M&A – ‘offers international-quality credentials and experience, yet also has a strong capability to understand the nuances of the local environment.’
• Mauritius: Corporate/Commercial –‘a very responsive law firm. The level of expertise is pretty strong overall.’
• Namibia: General Business Law – ‘has a real international approach. The firm is timely and knowledgeable about the local market. It has a great, talented team.’
• South Africa: Dispute Resolution – ‘has the exceptional ability to swiftly grasp and map out the way forward in complex dispute resolution matters, cutting through extraneous noise and identifying strengths and weak spots.’
• Tanzania: General Business Law – ‘able to explain complex legal situations and make them accessible to businesspeople, providing actionable solutions.’
• Zambia: General Business Law – ‘responsive and provides customised support to clients. It also holds a very strong and diversified team.’

Standout individual rankings include:

• Chairman and senior partner, Ezra Davids, was named a Star Individual: a ranking that is given to a lawyer with exceptional recommendations in their field.
• Kenya managing partner, Paras Shah, was recognised as an Eminent Practitioner: a highly influential lawyer that is a key player in a particular practice area.
• Head of Competition, Kenya, Joyce Karanja, and partner, Joyce Mbui, were placed in the Spotlight category: a category that highlights individuals who are highly regarded for their international and cross-border work.
• Senior partner, Kenya, Richard Harney; head of Tax: Cape Town; senior litigation partner, Tim Gordon-Grant; partner, Philip Coulson; and senior consultants, Andrew Pike, Audax Kameja and Graham Damant, were all named Senior Statespeople: a category for individuals who have been pivotal to a firm’s successes.

Davids concludes, ‘Partnering with our clients as they navigate the legal and broader political and economic landscape of our great continent in pursuit of abundant investment opportunities, lies at the heart of each of our individual lawyers’ commitment and our broader firm ethos to service our clients with distinction through our fidelity to quality and integrity.’