Folake Elias-Adebowale is a Partner at Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, where she co-leads the firm’s Corporate/M&A, Private Equity & Venture Capital, and Energy (Oil & Gas) practices. With deep expertise in cross-border and domestic transactions, she advises clients on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity investments, fund structuring, restructuring, and regulatory compliance. Her work spans a wide range of sectors including financial services, healthcare, technology, infrastructure, consumer goods, and energy.

She plays a key role in shaping the legal and regulatory landscape for private capital in Africa, serving on the legal and regulatory committees of the African Venture Capital Association (AVCA), the Global Private Capital Association (GPCA), and the Private Equity and Venture Capital Association of Nigeria (PEVCAN). Folake has led several regulatory engagements, including legislative consultations with Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission and reforms in the gas sector. Her excellence has earned her top rankings in Chambers Global, IFLR1000 Women Leaders, Legal 500, and other international directories.

Beyond legal practice, Folake is a frequent speaker and contributor on topics such as private equity, corporate governance, M&A, oil and gas regulation, and fintech. She serves on boards and participates in mentorship and advocacy initiatives that support legal innovation and inclusive economic development across Africa. Her leadership continues to influence the evolving landscape of private investment and legal practice on the continent.