Africa is calling.

7 days ago
2 min read

Why the GBL Spring Conference in Dakar Is an Opportunity You Should Not Miss

For the first time in its history, the GBL Alliance Spring Conference will take place outside Europe, on the African continent. The 2026 conference in Dakar, Senegal marks an important milestone for the alliance and reflects its truly international character.

According to Tim Steininger, this year’s conference is more than just another gathering of legal professionals. It is an opportunity to experience a region that is rapidly gaining importance in the global business and legal landscape.

Discovering a New Legal and Business Perspective

West Africa is increasingly attracting international investors and companies. The region offers growing stability and a developing legal infrastructure that supports cross-border business.

Many countries in the region are part of the OHADA legal framework, which harmonises business laws across multiple African states. This legal harmonisation creates a predictable and reliable environment for companies looking to expand their activities in the region.

For GBL members, the Dakar conference provides a unique opportunity to gain insight into this evolving legal and economic landscape — directly from local experts and international colleagues.

A Truly Global Alliance

Hosting the conference in Dakar demonstrates what GBL stands for: an international community built on trust, collaboration and professional friendship.

The conference will bring together members from Europe, Africa and beyond. It offers a rare chance to meet legal professionals working in markets that many European firms rarely experience firsthand.

As Tim Steininger explains in the interview, the goal is not only to discuss emerging markets but to understand the real opportunities and business relationships that can grow from them.

More Than Just Business

While the conference agenda is focused on professional exchange, the GBL experience has always been about more than formal meetings.

Members value the informal conversations, the shared experiences and the long-term friendships that are built during these gatherings. Dakar will offer the same unique mix of serious business discussions and genuine personal connections.

Participants will also have the chance to discover Senegal — a vibrant country known for its culture, hospitality and dynamic economy.

A Conference Worth the Trip

When asked what he hopes members will say after the conference, Tim Steininger answers simply: “It was worth the trip. It opened our minds and our business perspectives.”

For many members, the Dakar conference may well become one of the most memorable events in the history of the alliance.

Join Us in Dakar

The GBL Spring Conference in Dakar is exclusively open to GBL members and invited guests.

If you are a member and still considering attending, this conference offers a rare opportunity to expand your network, discover a new region and strengthen the international relationships that define GBL.

We look forward to welcoming you in Dakar.