Norton Rose Fulbright advises Natixis on the Benin electricity network modernization financing

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised international bank Natixis on the ‎€326 million financing for the modernization of the electricity grid in Benin by Vinci Energies.

Natixis, acting as arranger and lender, alongside Bpifrance, concluded this financing with the Republic of Benin on April 1, 2021. This financing will benefit from the guarantee of the export credit agency Bpifrance Assurance Export and constitutes the largest export financing ever mobilized by Benin.

The work, conducted by Vinci Energies, consists of a set of approximately 500 km of very high voltage and high voltage overhead and underground connection lines along with an electrical energy distribution network of more than 1,000 km. In addition, seven very high voltage transformer stations will be built, and four high voltage stations will undergo capacity extensions. The development and modernization of Benin’s electricity infrastructure will notably allow the connection of several thousand households and will benefit several business areas in the country.

The team advising Natixis was led by Paris-based banking and finance partner Alexandre Roth. He was assisted by associates Constance Ollat and Lorraine Viard.