Esmeralda Akorfa Afenyo

Esmeralda Akorfa Afenyo is a Ghanaian lawyer with a strong interest in using law and finance to support sustainable economic development across Africa. She is pursuing an MSc in Law and Finance at the University of Oxford and is a member of Exeter College.

Before joining Oxford, Esmeralda worked as a Senior Associate at Kimathi & Partners, one of Ghana’s leading corporate law firms. Through her work advising multinational clients, she gained experience in corporate transactions, strategic investments, regulatory compliance, and taxation. She supported multi-million dollar financing transactions across sectors including oil refining, mining, cocoa processing, and payment services, and advised international businesses seeking to navigate Ghana’s investment landscape.

Her academic journey has been shaped by a commitment to excellence and service. She graduated with First-Class Honours from both the University of Ghana and the Ghana School of Law, where she developed a strong foundation in commercial law and advocacy. As a two-time Best Oralist in national moot court competitions, she also served as a judge for the Ghana National Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. She has also served as a Teaching Assistant at the Ghana School of Law, supporting students in Company and Commercial Practice through tutorials and academic resources.

Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, Esmeralda is passionate about expanding opportunities for others. She co-founded the Wintima Foundation, which provides educational resources to underserved communities in Ghana. Additionally, she established a pro bono legal consultancy supporting startups with advice on fundraising, equity structuring, and regulatory compliance.

At Oxford, Esmeralda is excited to develop expertise in law and finance that will enable her to contribute to stronger investment ecosystems and sustainable economic transformation across Africa.