Norton Rose Fulbright in Africa

An established footprint in Africa

Understanding the Africa landscape

Africa is one of the most complex and culturally diverse continents in the world. Navigating the opportunities and risks associated with doing business in this dynamic emerging market requires a business partner with deep sector expertise and regional experience.

Advising on projects and deals across Africa for over 40 years, we have one of the largest legal footprints in Africa of any international law firm.

An established Africa practice

Our Tier 1 Africa practice is steered by our Africa leadership group – consisting of lawyers with deep on-the ground experience in Africa – to develop and grow our emerging markets practice.

A strong bench of lawyers across Europe and the Middle East works closely with our offices and alliances located in on-the ground presence in Africa and a vast international network of offices, advising on both common and civil laws across Africa. We work with those building businesses on the continent, as well as those investing it in and we act as a key adviser to corporates, borrowers, sponsors, investment banks, government bodies, ECAs and multilaterals, and off-takers on major projects across Africa.

We have a particular focus on traditional and digital infrastructure, mining and natural resources, energy and transport as well as technology, media and telecoms.

Tier 1 – Emerging Markets, Legal 500 UK 2023

Band 2 – Projects and Energy (Africa-wide), Chambers Global 2023

Inside Africa video series

Sovereign Guarantees for Energy Projects in Africa

Investors may be wary of of committing funds to energy projects in Africa because they perceive the risks to be too great.

Global | Video | mars 04, 2024

State for clarity: Investor – State arbitration in Africa

High levels of political and economic instability in some African countries can often give rise to disputes between investors and the state when it comes to the development and operation of energy, mining and infrastructure projects across the continent.

Global | Video | janvier 04, 2024

Managing ESG disputes risks in Africa

ESG-related disputes are rising all around the world, and Africa is no exception. Although one of the most well-known risks relates to greenwashing - where a company is alleged to have overstated their ESG credentials - there are many other ways in which companies, particularly investors in Africa, may face potential ESG litigation risks.

Global | Video | décembre 06, 2023

Investing in conflict zones: Navigating and managing risk

From termination rights, rights to delay, suitable warranty protection, relevant insurance and rights and obligations, there are a number of factors to consider when investing in a conflict-affected region.

Global | Video | novembre 22, 2023

Battery storage in Africa: Trends and challenges

BESS projects are a solution to a number of inherent issues and challenges that many African jurisdictions face from a power supply perspective. Looking at jurisdictions like South Africa, for example, which is currently facing power challenges at present, you can see the case of BESS solutions (amongst other things) in addressing the power crisis.

Global | Video | septembre 27, 2023

Mining finance trends in Africa

The UN estimates that Africa is home to 30 percent of the world’s mineral resources, including many of the critical minerals that drive the energy transition, such as cobalt, nickel, lithium, and graphite, and a number of rare earth metals (key to the production of the permanent magnets used in electric vehicles and in wind turbines).

Global | Video | septembre 08, 2023

Latest insights

How the circular economy can help tackle climate change

It has been said that even if existing pledges and national targets for reducing emissions are achieved, the reduction won't be sufficient enough to limit the increase in temperature to 1.5 degrees. Anything above this, scientists believe, will cause irreversible devastation.

Global | Publication | décembre 12, 2023

Just Transition discussions at COP28: Are we on the right path?

The New Development Bank (NDB), the multilateral development bank established by Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africa (BRICS) to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects, hosted a very interesting side event at COP28 on Day 6.

Global | Publication | décembre 08, 2023

Inaugural Africa Climate Summit outlines the continent’s common position in the global climate change process

Inaugural Africa Climate Summit: An overview

Over the last 12 months, we have witnessed a marked increase in climate-related extreme weather events causing damage to communities worldwide, with flash flooding in India, typhoons in China and wildfires across Europe resulting from one of the hottest summers on record.

Global | Publication | septembre 27, 2023

Platform Africa 2023: Our take-aways

Norton Rose Fulbright recently attended the Platform Africa 2023 conference in Marrakesh.

Global | Articles | juillet 11, 2023

Unlocking Africa's natural capital: Investment opportunities for a sustainable future

With the current rate of nature loss, recognizing and addressing the nature crisis is now critical. Whilst government and public sector initiatives play a significant role in addressing the challenge, the scale of the threat will require the mobilization of private capital.

Global | Publication | juillet 04, 2023

Energy arbitration in Africa: Trending issues for energy projects

This article outlines some of the legal concepts faced by investors and African states involved in large energy projects when a sudden change in the legal and economic context arises, and the disputes around these concepts. It also gives insight into two trending issues for energy projects in Africa that could give rise to contractual renegotiations and arbitrations in the years to come.

Global | Publication | juin 27, 2023

Currents Ep204 Global Mining Supply Chain

Martin McCann, partner in London, joins Todd Alexander to discuss the global mining supply chain.

Global | Podcast | avril 21, 2023

Earth, Wind and Solar <br>Ep17: Developing Successful <br>Public Private Partnerships

Earth, Wind and Solar Ep17: Developing Successful Public Private Partnerships

Patricia Sulser, investment committee member at BlueOrchard and former chief counsel at International Finance Corporation, joins us for a conversation about public private partnerships.

United States | Podcast | mars 24, 2023

Energy transition outlook: Sub-Saharan Africa forecast

DNV’s reports on energy transition including the report focussed on Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) highlights the different pressures faced by developing nations in reducing emissions.

Africa | Publication | février 06, 2023

Featured

Beyond COP28: Our insights

The 28th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP28) took place on November 30 - December 12 in Dubai.

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Inside Africa Law

Africa is as dynamic a market as it is diverse. We understand that changes impacting your business can arise rapidly and...

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Latest news

Firm announces new Africa leadership group

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has announced a new Africa leadership group to help steer its acclaimed, Tier 1 Africa practice.

Global | Press release - Business | janvier 09, 2023

Sinopec advised on PSC with Sonatrach

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised SINOPEC Overseas Oil & Gas Limited (SOOGL) in relation to a 25-year production-sharing contract (PSC) with Algeria’s Sonatrach for the devel...

Global | Press release - Business | juillet 26, 2022

Titan Trust Bank advised on acquisition of Union Bank

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Titan Trust Bank Limited (TTB) on its acquisition of NGX-listed Union Bank of Nigeria PLC (Union Bank).

Global | Press release - Business | juin 01, 2022

Angola advised on multi-billion dollar debt programme, bond and tender offer

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised the Republic of Angola on its London-listed multi-billion dollar Global Medium Term Note programme for the issue of its international sovereign debt, as well as its US$1.75bn international bond issue and related strategic tender offer for outstanding sovereign debt.

Africa | Press release - Business | avril 14, 2022

Shalina advised on $600m financing agreement with Trafigura

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Shalina Resources (“Shalina”), a leading and established vertically integrated copper and cobalt producer with assets in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on a US$600 million financing agreement with global commodity trading company Trafigura Pte. Ltd. (“Trafigura”).

Global | Press release - Business | janvier 18, 2022