Projects & Energy: Africa-wide

THE FIRM This team is a top name for major financing work in energy and infrastructure projects. The renewables sector has furnished the firm with several wind and hydropower mandates, such as representing the lenders in connection with a 120 MW hydroelectric IPP in Itezhi-Thezi in Zambia. Sponsor-side work includes advising on the USD130 million development of the TCI Port Said alco-ethylene plant in Egypt. Partners in Paris, London, Casablanca and Dubai lead the team of more than 100 lawyers worldwide who regularly work on African matters. The Perth office is also an increasingly important asset, especially on mining mandates.

Sources say: "Excellent - the lawyers are deal makers, and they enjoy a lot of credibility in the market."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tim Scales rises to the top band this year following excellent feedback from peers and clients, who describe him as "among the best people for project finance in Africa." One source remarked: "I find him spot-on in terms of his judgement – he's very aware of trends in the marketplace, and has a real depth of experience all across Africa."

Geoff Simpson in Perth is the firm's global head of mining.

THE FIRM Ashurst has a long track record in African projects work, and also advises on a variety of transactions within the energy and mining sectors. Highlights include advising ACWA Power International on the Ouarzazate solar CSP IPP in Morocco, and acting for Satarem in connection with waste-to-energy facilities in several West African countries. The team also advised Tullow Oil on gas sales in Ghana. The firm's merger with Blake Dawson (now Ashurst Australia) in March 2012 further boosted its reach to clients across the Asia-Pacific region, while the Paris and London offices also serve many European companies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Geoffrey Picton-Turbervill is head of the global energy practice. He and Cameron Smith, both based in London, are key contacts for African matters.

THE FIRM This firm increased its African capabilities in 2012 with the addition of a South Africa-based team formerly at Dewey & LeBoeuf. The Johannesburg office builds on the firm's existing presence in Cairo and Casablanca, and its local partners work alongside colleagues worldwide to advise on oil and gas, mining and infrastructure matters. In North African mandates, the practice represented the Office Nationale D'Electricité et de l'Eau Potable in Morocco in all legal aspects of a proposed 850 MW wind farm. Big-ticket financing clients include African Export-Import Bank.

KEY INDIVIDUALS In Johannesburg, Scott Brodsky enjoys a high profile as a respected international lawyer. One peer comments: "I'd have no reservation in recommending him."

THE FIRM This firm's global reputation for oil and gas expertise is reflected in its Africa practice. The team's diverse experience includes advising lenders, sponsors and developers on significant energy and infrastructure projects. LNG is a particular area of strength, and the firm represents major names such as Brass LNG in all aspects of projects. The firm's activity covers a broad swathe of North and West African jurisdictions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS In Houston, Stuart Schaffer is the chair of Baker Botts' global projects group. Antony Higginson and Hamish McArdle in London are also key contacts for work in Africa.

THE FIRM This firm's Africa group now has a presence in Tanzania and Uganda as well as Kenya, which has boosted the team's regional capability. The practice is frequently engaged on major projects, and advises a number of global clients on their African activities. Mining mandates include representing investors from China, Korea and Australia in relation to assets in the DRC and Zambia. More locally, the practice has been kept busy by the IPP procurement programme in South Africa.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Daryn Webb specialises in project and infrastructure matters. According to one source: "He's a very practical, down-to-earth lawyer who hit all the right points for his client."

THE FIRM This firm has a highly reputed global energy practice, and has participated in several major African power projects. Highlights include advising the Moroccan Office National de L’Electricité on the expansion of the Jorf Lasfar coal-fired power plant. The firm is also highly active in South African work, and represented GDF SUEZ in connection with the Department of Energy's peaking plant project, which if successful would create capacity of over 1,000 MW. The team includes experts with knowledge of French civil law, enhancing its capability in francophone jurisdictions.

Sources say: "Chadbourne is great - strong in terms of understanding how the project fits together."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robin Mizrahi comes highly recommended by both peers and clients, who appreciate his practical understanding of projects: "He thinks like a developer so he'll check the ramifications and make sure that you understand what you're getting yourself into."

Lynne Gedanken is senior counsel in Washington, DC and has extensive experience in African projects, especially in the power sector.

THE FIRM This firm is a highly active participant in the African energy market, and advises sponsors, lenders and government bodies on major projects. Its mandates in francophone countries are largely led from the Paris office, while specialists based in London and Abu Dhabi have played a major role in anglophone work. In highlights from across the firm's network, teams in Beijing and Hong Kong were engaged by the Sichuan Hongda Group in its joint venture with Tanzania's National Development Corporation to implement two coal and iron ore projects, representing a total investment of up to USD3 billion. The firm also advises on a number of renewables matters, and acted for the Organisation pour la Mise en Valeur du Fleuve Gambie in connection with a USD1 billion hydroelectric project spanning four countries.

Sources say: "They have a good appreciation of our commercial objective. Thorough, rigorous, insightful, yet also pragmatic, and they have a lot of experience in this particular environment."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jean-Pierre Vignaud is "a significant actor who has been on the scene for many years." He advises a number of the Paris team's international clients on their African investments.

Clients value Barthélemy Faye's expert advice on doing business in emerging markets, particularly in francophone jurisdictions.

THE FIRM Clifford Chance is widely regarded as one of the leading firms for African projects, and sources across the board praise the team's experience and high-volume workload. Power, mining and infrastructure are all highly active fields, and sponsor-side work includes advising Melec PowerGen on the construction and operation of a heavy fuel oil-fired power plant near Nairobi, Kenya. The firm has a formidable financing practice, and handles high-value mandates for big names such as Goldman Sachs, Standard Chartered Bank and Africa Finance Corporation. It also advised a syndicate comprising African Development Bank, Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund and FMO on the first phase of a 100 MW power plant by Lake Kivu, Rwanda.

Sources say: "They provide really good service - you can rely on their advice. They can really steer the transaction and they're proactive in coming up with things we haven't spotted yet."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anthony Giustini has a phenomenal reputation in this field, and is described by clients as "exceptional - there aren't many lawyers who combine all the technical skills with the charisma and ability to get things done, and he's very good at it." 

Jeremy Connick has extensive experience in African matters, and is praised for his pragmatic approach. His workload includes advising on joint ventures and project finance.

Nikolaï Eatwell moves up the table following impressive feedback from peers and clients for his experience and expertise.

Clients appreciate Delphine Siino Courtin's commitment to their deals: "She has extraordinary staying power and energy - she's just amazing."

THE FIRM This firm's Africa practice operates through key partners in Europe and the Middle East, and an extensive network of associations with local firms. Its workload includes project finance transactions and privatisations across a variety of energy and infrastructure sectors. Clients value the partners' hands-on involvement, and the services offered by the firm's construction practice.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Bugingo is a prominent name in this market and manages the relationships with associated firms as co-chairman of the firm's Africa committee. Previously in London, he now works out of the Dubai office.

THE FIRM This firm's Africa offering is distinguished by its impressive network of local firms, bringing together the skills of experts based in Zambia, South Africa, Ghana and Egypt. The London office houses several practitioners with valuable African experience, and London-led highlights include advising Standard Bank of South Africa as arranger on the USD140 million financing of a desalination plant in Ghana. In the mining sector, the group represented the government of Uganda in the privatisation of the Kilembe Mines. The full-service DLA firm in Australia is a further asset to the group, and has been active representing bidders and lenders in renewable energy projects in South Africa.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The US team boosted its Africa capabilities with the addition of Joseph Tato from Dewey & LeBoeuf in May 2012. His practice highlights include acting for Ghana's Volta River Authority in relation to the expansion of a 330 MW thermal generating facility.

In London, Charles Morrison is the international head of the finance and projects group, and leads some of the firm's most high-profile work on the continent.

THE FIRM Eversheds has a widely respected Africa practice, with considerable experience in South Africa work and a partnership with Chassany Watrelot & Associés (CWA) in Morocco. Mandates include project financing, PPPs and energy sector disputes. Prestigious regional finance institutions seek the group's advice on development projects across the continent. Standout mandates include advising The Addax and Oryx Group on a EUR133 million financing for ethanol and renewable energy projects in Sierra Leone.

Sources say: "Extremely diligent on customer service, very responsive, innovative and good to work with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Boris Martor co-heads the Africa group. He is recognised for his prolific projects practice, and receives strong feedback for his availability and customer service.

THE FIRM This Canadian firm has a long track record of work in Africa, particularly in francophone regions. The firm's mining practice is held in especially high regard and has taken the team to countries such as Mauritania, Rwanda and Côte d'Ivoire. The team has also been highly active in DRC matters, advising international names on mining permits, joint ventures and corporate transactions. In early 2013, the firm merged its South African office with local firm Bell Dewar, boosting its capacity both in South Africa and regionally.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Johannesburg-based Tanneke Heersche is prized by clients for her in-depth understanding of their commercial imperatives.

THE FIRM Market sources attest that this firm is a significant player in francophone Africa, and the group is active on a number of high-profile projects across the continent. The team assisted IFC InfraVentures and Scatec Solar with four solar plants in Mali, and advised the government of Ghana on a PPP for the development of a potable water plant. The firm has an impressive North African presence with several offices in the region, and clients such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) seek out the team for local law advice.

KEY INDIVIDUALS François Krotoff has a long history in African projects work, and advises on various energy and mining developments. He has particular expertise in the funding of projects and transactions.

John Crothers frequently acts for the IFC in countries such as Rwanda, Mauritania and Benin, and also advises several governments.

THE FIRM Herbert Smith Freehills receives high praise for its heavyweight capabilities in African projects work. The team has around 60 dedicated experts worldwide, with a particularly strong offering in Paris. The practice advises on all aspects of energy and infrastructure projects, and highlights include representing GDF SUEZ in the development of an LNG terminal in Cameroon. On the financing side, the firm advised four French banks on the USD600 million limited recourse financing of an upstream development in Equatorial Guinea. The October 2012 merger with Freehills in Australia expanded the firm's Africa capabilities, adding particular strength to its already renowned mining practice.

Sources say: "They have a long history in Africa." "They distinguish themselves by being very customer-facing lawyers. They understand practical solutions and arrive at them quickly."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Africa practice head Stéphane Brabant also leads the energy and infrastructure group in Paris, and is referred to as the firm's "guru of Africa." He receives outstanding praise from peers and clients, who laud his "knowledge of Africa, his experience out there and also his interpersonal skills with local people."

A "valuable asset" to the Africa group, Bertrand Montembault impresses sources with his dedication and expert guidance.

Mehdi Haroun has considerable expertise in North Africa, and is dual-qualified in Algeria and France. He has years of practice in Morocco, Tunisia and Libya, as well as the wider MENA region, and is fluent in French, English and Arabic.

London-based partner Martin Kavanagh advises sponsors and lenders on a variety of project work. Peers hold him in high regard, and one expert commented: "He's a great lawyer - if I'm in a conflict situation he'd be on my list." 

Rebecca Major is a key member of the practice in Tokyo. She advises Japanese clients on their African interests, including M&A in the energy sector and project work. According to one source: "She's really impressive - no-nonsense, and knows the African environment."

Nina Bowyer is based in the Paris office and regularly leads mandates in anglophone Africa. She is especially active in Nigerian projects.

THE FIRM This firm is highly active in major renewables project work, and the team continues to advise on a number of headline hydroelectric developments. These include the Bujagali project in Uganda, and the Ruzizi III hydroelectric dam on the border between Rwanda, Burundi and the DRC. Government advisory work also contributes substantially to its workload, and the team advised the government of Nigeria, through Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading, on the privatisation of the country's power sector. The team comprises US and UK lawyers who advise on infrastructure and telecommunications matters as well as energy and natural resources. Other key clients include The World Bank, Tanzania Electric Supply Company and SEACOM.

Sources say: "They are very focused on helping their client get a deal done and keeping a view of the big picture, as well as covering the details to accomplish that."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Beardsworth has a long history of working in African markets, and counts the governments of Uganda and Tanzania among his clients.

Ryan Ketchum attracts a wide range of plaudits for his commercial awareness, his negotiation skills and his responsiveness: "He is an extremely diligent lawyer, and very adaptable." 

THE FIRM Linklaters maintains its position as one of the most prominent firms in the African energy and natural resources arena. Its globe-spanning practice comprises key hubs in London, Paris and Lisbon, as well as partners in Asia and the Middle East who frequently assist in Africa work. Project finance is a core strength, and the team advised the lenders and mandated lead arrangers on a USD1.4 billion financing for the expansion of the Jorf Lasfar IPP in Morocco. The South African IPP programme also furnished the practice with numerous mandates, which also handles a variety of top-level mining instructions. The market awaits the impact of the firm's alliance with South African heavyweight Webber Wentzel.

Sources say: "The delivery and performance has been outstanding, very focused and dedicated." "Very practical in their understanding of Africa." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources hold Bertrand Andriani in high regard. He is respected for his project financing expertise, and has advised on developments in Morocco and Gabon.

Prominent transactional lawyer Charles Jacobs is renowned for his mining knowledge, and is described as "a massive name in Africa." High-profile instructions include advising Glencore International on its proposed USD90 billion merger with Xstrata.

Andrew Jones is "a very clever person who thinks about things very carefully." He receives excellent feedback for his management of South African IPP work.

THE FIRM This firm's Africa workload reflects its superb global reputation for mining expertise. Key partners in London work with colleagues around the world to advise an array of mining sector clients. The team handles financing and development of projects and disputes in the mining space. It advised Xstrata on the development of an iron ore mine in Mauritania, and represented the mandated lead arrangers of a USD170 million loan to Base Resources to finance the Kwale titanium mining project in Kenya. Non-mining project highlights include advising Helios Towers Tanzania on a syndicated loan for the expansion of its mobile telecommunication tower network.

Sources say: "Very active in mining across Africa." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ian Coles is a highly regarded mining and finance lawyer who is lauded for his "great sector knowledge and good negotiation skills."

Rachel Speight is recognised for her expertise in the mining space, especially on the financing side. She regularly represents lenders and sponsors, and sources compliment her level-headedness and dedicated work ethic.

THE FIRM Project finance is a cornerstone of this firm's African offering, and the team is involved in substantial financings in the DRC, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Highlights include advising the international and Nigerian banks on the USD1.5 billion financing of the first phase of Nigeria's Reserves Development Project. The firm also represented a group of lenders including Stanbic Bank in the USD285 million financing of a sugar refinery in Lagos, Nigeria. The team is well regarded for its mining expertise, and attracts big-ticket clients such as London Mining.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Phillip Fletcher is a big name in the project financing arena, and led the firm's representation of African Development Bank in a USD400 million loan to Transnet.

London-based partner Cathy Marsh specialises in the financing aspects of mining deals, and is valued for her pragmatic approach.

THE FIRM Interviewees consider this team a go-to practice for Portuguese-speaking African jurisdictions. Partners based in Lisbon often act as client contact points, working in collaboration with the Miranda Alliance offices across Africa. Clients seek out the practice for continent-wide lusophone matters, and the individual network offices are also frequently consulted by international corporations for specialist local advice. Work includes acting on upstream energy issues, infrastructure developments and financing transactions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rui Amendoeira has considerable experience in the oil and gas industry. He is the firm's managing partner and a key contact for the Miranda Alliance.

THE FIRM Sources are struck by Norton Rose's commitment to Africa. The firm's growing network includes offices in South Africa, Morocco and Tanzania, so that clients can call on both international expertise and local knowledge. This combination has been a valuable asset to the sponsors and lenders which have sought the firm's advice on the South African renewable energy IPP procurement programme. Further afield, the group acted for Zimbabwe Power Company on the expansion of coal and hydro power projects with a total value of approximately USD3 billion. The team's broad range of country-specific expertise includes in-depth knowledge of Nigeria, where the firm represents several bidders in the power sector privatisations. Its diverse projects workload includes developments in oil and gas, mining and transportation.

Sources say: "They are really very good, and they have a good project track record for African countries - especially infrastructure as well as power." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS London-based projects lawyer Richard Metcalf has valuable expertise in oil and gas exploration, development and transmission. He is particularly well known for his work for government bodies.

In Johannesburg, Michael Dale is one of South Africa's top mining regulatory lawyers, and offers more than 30 years of sector experience.

Oil and gas specialist Nick Prowse advises high-profile international clients on upstream developments, and is commended for the commercial nature of his advice.

Arun Velusami is a projects and energy expert who works across anglophone Africa and has particular knowledge of the power sector in Nigeria. Clients value his experience and his strategic capabilities.

THE FIRM The Paris office of this US-founded firm leads the charge when it comes to the team's project work in Africa. Its workload features oil and gas, power, infrastructure and mining mandates, particularly in Central and West African francophone countries. In one standout matter the team advised the government of the DRC on a tender process for the Inga III hydroelectric power project. The firm also represented African Development Bank and other lenders in connection with the EUR202 million financing of two hydroelectricity plants in the Republic of Gabon.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Pascal Agboyibor is head of the Africa practice. He is adept in OHADA law and his highlights include representing DRC mining company Gécamines in various matters.

THE FIRM This firm's five-partner Africa-focused group operates out of Paris and London, and can call on the expertise of projects specialists based across the globe. The team's experience covers a broad swathe of African countries, including both francophone and anglophone jurisdictions in North and sub-Saharan Africa. Sponsors seek the group's advice on major power generation, infrastructure and mining projects. The firm represented Sundance Resources in connection with an integrated mine, rail and port project spanning Cameroon and the DRC. Renewable energy and mining mandates also feature among the firm's highlights.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christophe Asselineau is a very well-known practitioner with over 20 years' experience of advising on projects in Africa. One source describes him as "an excellent lawyer - he is heavily involved in many deals."

THE FIRM This firm acts for major multinationals operating in the African natural resources market. Partners in the London and Paris offices assist banking sector clients and project sponsors with a range of instructions. In energy highlights, the team continues to represent AES in the financing and development of two heavy fuel oil-power projects in Cameroon, including the Kribi IPP which reached financial close in September 2012. The group also attracts a number of mining mandates, and clients seek its advice on acquisitions, joint venture negotiations and disputes.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Ratledge joined the firm in September 2012 from his previous position at Linklaters. His experience in advising sponsors and lenders across a range of sectors is a valuable addition to the practice.

Yves Baratte is well known for his projects expertise, and represented Enel in connection with a Moroccan solar power development.

THE FIRM SJ Berwin advises on inbound and outbound African matters, acting for sponsors and lending agencies in relation to energy and infrastructure projects. In work for development finance institutions, it represented Norfund in the development of a hydroelectric power plant in South Sudan. The team also advised Carbon Impacts on the financing arrangements for a photovoltaic solar power plant in Uganda. Other high-profile clients include Masawara, Africa Development Corporation and Aureos Capital.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Neil Upton joined SJ Berwin during 2012, and he and his team bring significant African expertise to the practice. Peers have tremendous respect for his experience in the region.

THE FIRM Trinity International has a niche practice that focuses solely on emerging markets, with Africa as its principal area of interest. Work includes projects, finance and corporate and commercial transactions, and the team is highly regarded for its power experience. The firm advised the lender group on the Lake Turkana wind IPP in Kenya, and the developers of the Bagamoyo agroenergy project in Tanzania. It is also involved in several renewable energy bids in South Africa.

Sources say: "Their turnaround times and the fact that you get experienced people on every deal really stand out for me."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior partner Paul Biggs "lives and breathes Africa," and has years of experience across an array of sectors.

Patrick Leece is an "experienced lawyer with very good commercial acumen." He has a particular focus on concession and construction contracts.

Sources note that Simon Norris' experience makes negotiations go more smoothly. He regularly takes a lead role in energy, transportation and telecoms mandates.

Conrad Marais advises on corporate transactions and project finance, and is a key contact for Australia-Africa cross-border matters. He is also a principal at Australia-based specialist projects firm Hunt & Humphry.

THE FIRM This firm's specialised oil and gas skills provide a strong foundation for its Africa practice. Upstream matters are a particular strength, and of late the team has been engaged in related mandates in Nigeria and Angola. A variety of clients call on the firm for advice on transactions and project development. Broader highlights include midstream, downstream and mining work, and the team also represents clients in high-level disputes.

Sources say: "Their key strengths are the ability to fully understand what we require, and their fantastic turnaround times."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly reputed Alexander Msimang is particularly active in Nigeria, and also advises clients on upstream issues in any other jurisdictions with oil and gas reserves.

THE FIRM This firm is highly regarded for its projects work both within South Africa and further afield, and has boosted its international resources through an alliance with Linklaters. Local matters of late have been dominated by the REFIT programme. Mandates further afield include advising Kilwa Energy on a gas-to-power project in Tanzania. Mining is a significant source of work, and clients include big names such as Exxaro and De Beers. The firm also handles energy sector dispute work, and represented Total Mer Rouge in a dispute with the government of Somaliland regarding the cancellation of an oil distribution concession.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers and clients are glowing in their praise of Brigette Baillie. She heads the project development and finance team and has played an important role advising the South African government during the IPP procurement process.

Steven De Backer is a leading projects lawyer in the Africa group. He has previously worked in several sub-Saharan jurisdictions, and is sought after for his on-the-ground experience.

THE FIRM This firm's global projects workload includes a number of prestigious African developments. A range of high-profile clients instruct the practice on mandates in the energy, infrastructure and mining sectors, across both anglophone and francophone countries. In North Africa, the team represented a major Egyptian client in the development of a petrochemical facility. On the financing side, the firm acted for a consortium of lenders on a USD232 million financing for a toll bridge in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The firm's Johannesburg office handles matters in Southern and Eastern Africa and is regularly instructed by major power sector heavyweights.

Sources say: "Incredible turnaround and valuable output." "Very knowledgeable, with an impressive commercial side."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Philip Stopford leads the London arm of the energy practice and has years of experience in international projects, including LNG, petrochemical and infrastructure developments. He elicits praise for his knowledge and his enthusiasm. 

Paule Biensan is a key contact in Paris, and is valued for her knowledge of OHADA law.

Johannesburg-based Shamilah Grimwood has a strong reputation for her regional practice.