Swithin Munyantwali

Expertise

International Law, Commercial Law, and Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

About Swithin

Swithin is a highly experienced international development lawyer with nearly three decades of expertise in leading law reform initiatives across Africa. He co-founded and serves as Vice Chairman of the International Law Institute African Centre for Legal Excellence in Washington, DC, and the ILI-South African Centre of Excellence in Johannesburg. With extensive engagements in over thirty-five sub-Saharan African countries and various global development agencies, he has successfully led projects encompassing public-private partnerships, court restructuring, procurement reform, commercial law drafting, parliamentary strengthening, and capacity building.

As the Head of Appleton Luff's East African Office, a renowned international boutique law firm, Munyantwali has represented prominent clients such as Carnegie Mellon University, SGS, and Tessenderlo. He is a seasoned party-appointed arbitrator in high-stake disputes under organizations like the International Chamber of Commerce and the World Bank International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes, with cases ranging from $400 to $600 million.

In addition to his legal achievements, Munyantwali possesses extensive banking experience as a director in major international banks. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Absa Group and has previously chaired Barclays Bank and Absa Bank in Uganda, holding key roles in Human Resources, Compensation, and Audit Committees.

Munyantwali's contributions to academia are notable, having served as a Guest Professor at Macau University of Science and Technology, City University of Hong Kong Law School, and lecturing at various prestigious institutions globally. His extensive publishing and citations reflect his expertise in legal and judicial reform.

Educated in the United States, Munyantwali holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from St. Joseph's University, a Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, and a Masters in International and Comparative Law from Georgetown University Law Center, where he is licensed to practice. His notable memberships include the Cosmos Club in Washington, DC, and recognition from the International Bar Association for his innovative contributions.

Education

Swithin was educated in the United States and holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from St. Joseph’s University, a Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, and a Masters in International and Comparative Law, from Georgetown University Law Center. He is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania.

Languages

• Fluent in English