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.

Forming part of the firm’s Europe, Middle East and Asia (EMEA) emerging markets practice, led by London-based partner Martin McCann, the group consists of a joined-up team across London, Paris and South Africa. It includes Paris-based M&A and projects partner Christophe Asselineau; London-based projects, renewables and carbon finance partner Laura Kiwelu and corporate finance partner Bayo Odubeko; South Africa-based head of Africa Greg Nott, head of corporate, M&A and securities Stephen Kennedy-Good, and banking and finance director Izak Lessing.

In addition to the firm’s offices in Casablanca, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, the group will have access to the local expertise in its Africa alliance offices in Kampala, Nairobi, Harare and Bujumbura.

Norton Rose Fulbright has a highly successful and long-established, global Africa practice, with particular expertise in sectors such as infrastructure and natural resources, including mining, energy, logistics and telecoms.

A key highlight for the practice has been its work advising the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Angola in relation to the award-winning $1.2bn financing for the development of the Bita water production, transmission and distribution facilities and system in South Luanda.

Martin McCann, global head of emerging markets at Norton Rose Fulbright, said: “Africa is already a massive part of our existing business, which has been built up by spending a lot of time on the ground in different countries over the past eight decades. Our new leadership group is composed of individuals with extensive experience across the African continent.

"We believe it is important to continually invest in our capabilities, to ensure that we are providing the best possible service to our clients, which is why we are setting up this group to provide the practice with dedicated support as it continues to develop and grow."