About

Based in: London

Number of years practice: 25

Principal practice areas: Project development and finance and M&A in emerging markets in the energy, water and infrastructure sectors.

Languages spoken: English and French

What is the geographical focus of your practice in Africa?

Pan-African practice.

Please describe the most important matters you have worked on in the African market in the last two years, including your role and the significance of the matter (if any) to the development of business and law.

The refinancing of the Bujagali hydropower project in Uganda, which generates a large portion of the country’s electricity. The refinancing allows for a reduction of electricity prices. Affordable and reliable power is essential for the country’s development. [Also], the development of the Ruzizi hydropower project involving Burundi, the DR Congo and Rwanda, [which will] significantly increase the installed generation capacity in the countries.

What differentiates your practice from that of other private practice lawyers?

I have been focusing on Africa since the late 1990s, long before it became more common. I have worked on some of the largest energy projects on the continent – for example the largest thermal and renewable power projects – some of which were the first of their kind in the countries where they were developed.

I am a native French speaker and can draft and negotiate complex documents in French and English, which enables me to cover the whole continent.

Why has Africa been a particularly strong focus for you?

See above. I started in the late 1990s when most London based project and energy lawyers were focusing on Europe and the Middle East. I developed significant experience and know-how in complex and challenging markets, and have followed the growth of the energy sector on the continent.

What changes have you seen in the appetite for Africa-based ventures and investments over the last five years?

A large increase in interest from investors that had previously focused on other emerging markets. This has increased competition but has yet to have a material impact on the number of projects that reach completion.

What megatrends do you think will shape the African market over the coming five years? How (if at all) will these trends affect your practice?

In the energy sector, the development of renewable power.