Africa - South Africa
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Projects and infrastructure

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Bowmans

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At Bowmans, the projects and infrastructure team reports an uptick in instructions from the renewable energy sector, as well as advising on matters concerning the financing of battery storage projects. The practice is led by Allen Leuta, who heads the firm’s banking and finance department and acts for developers, export credit agencies and development finance institutions in project financing transactions. Shamilah Grimwood-Norley fields expertise in all areas of infrastructure project development, and Bavesh Pillay brings experience in assisting with the construction law aspects of energy infrastructure projects. Onalerona Phiri joined the group in November 2024, and the team was bolstered by the arrivals of Alexandra Clüver, Alessandra Pardini, Alexandra Felekis and Mongezi Dladla in January 2025.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘They bring a level of energy needed to get things done, they are very commercial and are able to solve problems based on their expertise.'

  • ‘Allen Leuta stands out in that he is able to mitigate legal risks but also has a strategic mind to problem solving. He is very commercial and has the ability to manage difficult clients or peers.'

  • ‘Good industry knowledge and reputation.'

  • ‘Pedigree, attention to detail, clarity of thought. Deeply analytical. Well rounded and in-depth knowledge of the regulatory aspects of their respective sector and ability to communicate simply and clearly.'

  • ‘Allen Leuta is a solid, intelligent, innovative and wise lawyer. He understands the mind of lenders and brings all this experience to the fore when providing advice.'

Key clients

  • ABSA Bank Limited
  • First National Bank Limited (acting through Rand Merchant Bank division)
  • The Standard Banks of South Africa
  • Nedbank Limited
  • Investec Bank Limited (acting through its Investec Corporate and Investment Banking Division)

Work highlights

  • Advised the lenders on the financing of a solar plus battery storage project for TotalEnergies and its partners, implemented under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.
  • Acted for FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division) (RMB); Development Bank of Southern Africa Limited (DBSA; Old Mutual Specialised Finance Proprietary Limited (OMSFIN); and Merchant Place Project Bond (RF) Limited (Merchant Place) on the debt and preference share refinancing of the Lesedi and Letsatsi solar power projects.
  • Acted as counsel to the Standard Bank of South Africa Limited as third-party project financier of three solar PV power plants being developed by Scatec ASA within the South African Government’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Allen Leuta

Other key lawyers

Daryn Webb, Anton Barnes-Webb, Shamilah Grimwood-Norley, Bavesh Pillay, Londiwe Khoza, Sbusisiwe Masondo, Alexandra Clüver, Alessandra Pardini, Alexandra Felekis, Mongezi Dladla, Yolande Tshimbombo, Onalerona Phiri