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 2024

Band 2 – Projects and Energy (Africa-wide), Chambers Global 2024

Inside Africa video series

Africa Energy Forum 2024

Jessica Melville and Melusi Dlamini anticipate the key trends they are excited to discuss at Africa Energy Forum 2024, including incentivising investment in transmission networks and battery storage and examining the role of mining in the energy transition.

Global | Video | June 26, 2024

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 | March 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 | January 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 | December 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 | November 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 | September 27, 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 | December 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 | December 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 | September 27, 2023

Platform Africa 2023: Our take-aways

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

Global | Articles | July 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 | July 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 | June 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 | April 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 | March 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 | February 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

Norton Rose Fulbright’s energy, infrastructure and resources practice recognized at IJGlobal Awards 2023

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has been named on numerous winning deals at the IJGlobal Awards 2023.

Global | Press release - Recognition | March 15, 2024

London office advises First Quantum Minerals on US$500M copper prepay arrangement

Global law firm, Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Vancouver-based First Quantum Minerals on its US$500M three-year copper prepay arrangement with the largest copper producer in mainland China.

Global | Press release - Business | February 28, 2024

Aviation team recognised with multiple accolades at Airline Economics’ ‘Aviation 100’ Awards

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has been recognised for its work on four winning deals of the year by Airline Economics at its thirteenth annual Aviation 100 Global Leaders Awards (Aviation 100).

Global | Press release - Recognition | January 30, 2024

Norton Rose Fulbright awarded nine ‘deals of the year’ by Project Finance International

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised on nine winning deals across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and the United States at this year’s Project Finance International (PFI) Awards.

Global | Press release - Business | January 03, 2024

Paris team advises Proparco on acquisition of majority stake in Netis by consortium of investors

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised private sector financing institution, Proparco on the acquisition of a majority stake in Netis by a consortium of investors including Amethis, Africinvest, Proparco and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Global | Press release - Business | December 18, 2023

Cross-border team advises AIIM on JV with N+ONE DATACENTERS

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), a leading African infrastructure private equity manager, on its joint venture with N+ONE DATACENTERS (N+ONE), a leading African data center owner and operator.

Global | Press release - Business | August 22, 2023