The IBA, which advocates for the promotion and defense of the rule of law, is the largest and most influential organization for legal practitioners worldwide. With over 90,000 members across 200 bar and law associations in 172 jurisdictions, it brings together attorneys, counselors, solicitors, barristers, advocates, judges, full-time law professors and students.
IBA members enjoy networking and business development opportunities, access to free webinars, discounts on conferences, and access to digital content, including the IBA directory of members. In an exclusive interview with The Observer, Aldama revealed that while there are 56 bar associations in Africa, only 20 are members of the IBA.
Of the 90,000 lawyers who belong to the IBA, only about 1,000 are from Africa, with just 76 from Uganda.
“The IBA’s mission is to promote and advance the rule of law globally, while fostering unity and connections among legal professionals worldwide “We have a strong regional approach, with activities in Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe and Africa,” Aldama said.
She said: “There are over 12 million lawyers around the world. Imagine if we could all connect; it’s so important that we share the same views and goals.”
Aldama acknowledged that the IBA’s presence in Africa remains underrepresented. “We realized that the number of African members is not as high as we would like. Of the 52 bar associations in Africa, only 20 are part of the IBA. There’s a clear gap,” she said.
She noted that the number of African speakers at IBA conferences has also dwindled. In Paris, 46 speakers from Africa participated, but that number dropped to just 20 in Mexico.
“Africa is a unique continent, with a population of 1.2 billion and numerous jurisdictions. It faces specific challenges, such as poverty and the rule of law. We need to make sure Africa is well-represented in our discussions.”
Aldama emphasized the importance of hearing African voices in IBA projects. “We want to know what the African legal profession needs from the international community. It would be invaluable for the African legal profession to have international visibility, and the IBA is the perfect platform for that because we are a truly global organization.”
“We say we are the global voice of the legal profession, but that voice will not be complete unless we integrate the perspective of the African legal profession,” she added. “Africa needs more IBA activities tailored to its unique needs and challenges.”
In a bid to increase membership in Africa, the IBA has adopted a strategic plan to enhance its presence on the continent and attract more members. To address the barriers that prevent African lawyers from joining the IBA, the association is focusing on three main areas.
MEMBERSHIP FEES
The IBA plans to reduce membership fees. Currently, the full membership fee is £334 (about Shs 1.5 million) per year, with discounts available at £200 (Shs 937,441). General membership is £178 (Shs 834,323), with a discounted rate of £108 (Shs 506,218). The IBA hopes that lowering fees will make membership more accessible.
Aldama pointed out that organizing events for the legal profession in Africa is challenging due to logistical issues, such as the high cost of travel and visa restrictions.
“We are working to establish a streamlined process for African members and bar associations to facilitate visa applications and enable easier participation in IBA events,” she said.
She added that the IBA is exploring the possibility of establishing a physical office or secretariat in Africa to strengthen connections between African lawyers and the global legal community.
“We are also considering setting up a network of academics across the African region. While lawyers are often too busy with their practice, academics can dedicate more time and offer valuable insights into IBA projects,” Aldama explained.
Looking ahead, the IBA will continue to host conferences on the African continent, including one in Johannesburg in 2025. Aldama expects strong participation from African legal practitioners as well as bars from other jurisdictions with interests in Africa.
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