Joshua Siaw MBE

Partner

Biography

Overview

Partner in White & Case's Global Debt Finance Practice and director of the Firm's Africa practice, Josh advises corporates, governments, banks and other financial institutions on cross-border project development and finance transactions in Africa.

Josh has significant knowledge and experience of the African markets, and has worked on a number of landmark cross-border finance deals in the region.

Josh has been identified by Euromoney as "one of Africa's Rising Stars," the publication's list of individuals and power brokers who are transforming the financial, investment and business landscape in Africa. In addition, he has been named by Forbes as "one of Africa's most influential young business leaders." Josh has also been named a "Young Business Leader of the Year" by the African Union, and leading Africa-focused business publication The Africa Report has recognized Josh as "one of three individuals shaping Africa's economic future."

Josh has been named among Britain's 100 most influential Black people by the Powerlist for the past 9 consecutive years and, in 2024, was named as the 6th most influential black person in Britain and the most influential in law. He has also been listed in Marquis Who's Who in the World since 2016, which features the most accomplished men and women from around the globe.

In 2018, Josh was selected as the only lawyer to join Prime Minister Theresa May on her trade mission to Africa.

In November 2018, Josh was appointed as a member of the UK-Africa FinTech Investment Group, following the then UK Prime Minister's announcement of the formation of the UK-Africa FinTech Partnership.

In June 2019, Josh was appointed to the Global Britain Sub Group of the UK Board of Trade, promoting the UK's global trade and investment agenda with a focus on Africa.

In June 2019, Josh was appointed a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty The Queen in the Queen's Birthday Honours 2019. He was recognised for his services to the law, UK legal services, and for his contribution to UK trade and investment in Africa.

In April 2021, Josh was appointed to the U.K. Government's Africa Green Growth Advisory Council which promotes sustainable economic development between the U.K. and Africa.

In 2021, Josh was also appointed to the Advisory Council of the Queen's Green Canopy Initiative which was established by His Royal Majesty King Charles III.

In 2023, following the establishment by the UK Prime Minister of the formation of the UK Africa Investors Group ("AIG"), Josh was appointed Co-Chair of the AIG alongside His Majesty's trade commissioner for Africa.  The advisory council was established by the government to facilitate increased trade and investment between the UK and Africa.

Bars and Courts
England and Wales
Education
LLB (Hons)
King's College London
LPC
BPP Law School
Languages
English
Twi (Ghanaian)

Experience

Awards and Recognition

Britain's top 10 most influential people of African or African Caribbean heritage": Powerlist, 2024

Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 2020

Marquis Who's Who in the World, 2016-Present

"Africa Rising Star": Euromoney

"One of Africa's Most Influential Young Business Leaders": Forbes

"Young Business Leader of the Year": African Union

"One of three individuals shaping Africa's economic future": The Africa Report, 2014