Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP is supporting an initiative to showcase Africa’s most inspiring small and medium-sized enterprises.

The firm is co-sponsoring 'Companies to Inspire Africa 2019', a report by London Stock Exchange Group, which identifies and celebrates some of Africa's most dynamic growth businesses. The report was launched at London Stock Exchange Group on 16 January 2019.

"The quality and diversity of the companies identified in this excellent report is striking and gives a great snapshot of the evolution of African business," said Stephenson Harwood partner Tony Edwards, who leads the firm's corporate activity in Africa. "As a leading international law firm, with a wealth of experience advising companies, entrepreneurs, banks and Governments in Africa, and international businesses investing there, we are incredibly pleased to be a part of this initiative. It provides an opportunity both to recognise the achievements of these African companies and entrepreneurs and to help them and others on the next stage of their journey."

The 2019 report, which is the second edition of 'Companies to Inspire Africa', identifies 360 active and fast growing private businesses representing a variety of industries from 32 countries. Nigeria and Kenya lead the way as the countries with the most companies featured in the report.

"Securing investment to expand markets and create new ones will drive the transformation and diversification of economies across the African continent," said Stephenson Harwood partner Kamal Shah, who grew up in Kenya and is head of the firm's Africa group. "The 360 companies showcased in this report have the potential to play an important role in that transformation."

Stephenson Harwood's award winning Africa group has been active in Africa for many years, supporting clients across the African continent, and international clients investing there. The firm has advised listed and private companies, financial institutions, private clients, family offices, investment companies, private equity houses, governments and state-owned entities on a range of African-related matters and disputes.

The report is available to download here.