FIRM BRIEFINGS OTHER JURISDICTIONS Introduction
A number of large energy and infrastructure projects were underway in 2012 across Sub-Saharan Africa’s more frontier markets.
One of the most ambitious has been the Ruzizi III 147MW hydropower plant, which has financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The project will provide power equally to Rwanda, the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Burundi. “It will have a big impact on the region and will double the installed capacity in Burundi,” says a lawyer involved in the matter.
Other ambitious projects include the long running Inga III Dam project in the DRC, which is at the planning stage and is a cornerstone of the Western Power Corridor project involving Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Angola and the DRC; the Mbalam-Nabeda Iron Ore project, located between Cameroon and the Republic of Congo; the Azito Power Plant Project in the Ivory Coast; and the vast Rio Tinto Simandou iron ore project in Guinea.
Among the trends noted by practitioners were the drive by Mauritius, South Africa and Rwanda to position themselves as arbitration centers for the region and, on the non-contentious side, the development of vast multi- faceted projects which include their own power generation and distribution and transport infrastructure. Practitioners also note a growing interest and feeling of opportunity regarding the Zimbabwe market and economy.
BOTSWANA Collins Newman & Co
2012 Firm Overview Key partners
Parks Tafa, Rizwan Desai
Collins Newman & Co is one of a handful of firms in Botswana rec- ommended for all types of corporate work, including in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Parks Tafa and Rizwan Desai are regularly rec- ommended by clients specifically for energy and infrastructure: “Tafa is very good in the field, very plugged in,” says a client. Clients note that the firm has a good relation to the government and public entities, which puts it in a strong position in relation to advising on legislation and regulations.
CAMEROON CAC Tax & Legal Cameroon
2012 Firm Overview Key partners
François Lecompte
CAC Tax & Legal is recommended by clients and fellow lawyers for François Lecompte’s practice in Cameroon. The office has been active on significant oil and gas transactions, in one deal advising on a fairly bespoke equity investment in an oil and gas entity by a foreign com- pany. The firm is experienced in working with international counsel.
Cabinet Marie-Andrée Ngwe
2012 Firm Overview Key partners
Marie-Andrée Ngwe
Cabinet Marie-Andrée Ngwe regularly receives enthusiastic praise. “We’ve spent 15 years working with Marie-Andrée Ngwe, she gets men- tioned a lot because she is absolutely top notch, the lawyer to go to if there is any issue in Cameroon,” says one client. “Pretty outstanding,” say other clients, “a good professional and by far the best in Cameroon”. Notably, Ngwe has been involved in redrafting the OHADA law on securities.
Jing & Partners
2012 Firm Overview Key partners
Paul Jing
Jing & Partners is an established name in the market. Paul Jing manages the firm and is comes recommended by a number of clients, especially in power sector work. The office is well versed in working with inter- national counsel.
COTE D’IVOIRE Bilé-Aka, Brizoua-Bi & Associés
2012 Firm Overview Key partners
Michel Brizoua-Bi
Bilé-Aka, Brizoua-Bi & Associés is beginning to emerge as one of the front runners in the Cote d’Ivoire market. Clients note the firm is very proactive under the helm of Michel Brizoua-Bi, a native French speaker fluent in English. “They did a fine and good job,” says client working on a landmark equity and sub-debt deal for a major bridge construction in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. The firm is well versed in working with in- ternational counsel.
ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE | SUB SAHARAN AFRICA 2013 81
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