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  1. Locations
  2. Africa

Africa

Africa’s diverse regulatory and business landscapes can create barriers to doing business. Freshfields’ international expertise working with carefully selected local partners has been a pivotal force in ensuring the success of landmark infrastructure deals, disputes and complex cross-border M&A.
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Whether raising capital, winning contracts or resolving disputes, our Africa-focused teams give you a competitive edge.

There is no uniform way to do business in Africa. Laws, regulations and business cultures vary widely across the continent. Navigating these diverse landscapes can be challenging, but with Freshfields by your side, you gain a strong foundation for sustainable growth.  

Our Africa-focused teams blend extensive local knowledge with global reach. Clients trust us with their most complex challenges across industries – from mining, energy and infrastructure to telecoms, technology, consumer products and healthcare. We specialise in first-of-a-kind or first-in-country assignments that often forge legal precedents.  

Our work in Africa spans projects of regional and global significance, and we recognize that no one-size-fits-all approach exists – delivering bespoke solutions tailored to your critical needs. 

Leveraging strong ties with local institutions, intermediaries and Africa's top law firms through our StrongerTogether network, we deliver outstanding legal and practical advice. Our relationships offer you instant access to crucial insights, ensuring your business is optimally placed for success. 

We don’t just work in Africa – we work for Africa. We share your commitment to making a positive impact on local communities. Through initiatives like the Reforestation in East Africa Programme, we've strengthened the livelihoods of over 55,000 farmers in Kenya and Uganda. We empower female entrepreneurs with training, community support, and resources to diversify income and build capacity. 

Whatever the challenge, we know what's around the corner – and that means you do too. Wherever you are in Africa, we're here to help you succeed, grow, and make a lasting impact. With Freshfields as your partner, navigate Africa's dynamic landscape with confidence. 

Highlight experience

Case studies

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Driving connectivity in Kenya and the East Africa region

With a track record of leading on the most significant infrastructure project developments and financings globally, Freshfields advised a consortium comprising Vinci and Meridian SAS on a €1.3bn public private partnership contract for the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway project in Kenya. When complete, the highway will support economic growth and improve the quality of life of the people in the region.

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Transnet infrastructure finance case study

This deal won the 2024 Quasi-Sovereign/GRE Bond Deal of the Year, awarded by Bonds, Loans & ESG Capital Markets Africa.

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A long fight for justice

Freshfields worked with Econet for eight years to secure a favourable arbitral award over a dispute relating to its stake in Nigerian telco VNL

 

A long fight for justice

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Contacts

Dubai

Pervez Akhtar

Partner
London

Andrew Murphy

Partner
London

Sylvia Noury KC

Partner
Paris

Christophe Seraglini

Partner
Paris

Alexandra van der Meulen

Partner
London

Bukunola Alakija

Counsel
London

Duncan Kellaway

Partner
Riyadh

Amani Khalifa

Partner, Head of KSA Disputes Practice
New York

Timothy Harkness

Partner

Awards & recognition

Chambers Africa Awards 2025

Africa-Wide Law Firm of the Year for Dispute Resolution

Chambers Africa Awards 2024

Africa-Wide Corporate/M&A Law Firm of the Year

Bonds, Loans & ESG Capital Markets Africa

Winner of the Quasi-Sovereign / GRE Bond Deal of the Year 2024

IFLR 2024

Winner of the IFLR Africa Net Zero Transition Award 2024 for our involvement with the Reforestation in East Africa Programme

Our thinking

Our thinking

Dec 15 2025

Shaping Asia’s Infrastructure: Investing in Africa - the risks and opportunities for Asian project stakeholders

Africa is in an era of significant growth and transformation: its population is expected to double by 2060, while economic growth in...
Dec 11 2025

Libya reopens for business: opportunities and risks in a changing energy market

Libya is re-emerging as a significant destination for international investment, particularly within the energy, renewables, and...
Aug 8 2025

Freshfields Hosts Africa Arbitration Academy for Sixth Consecutive Year

On June 17 2025, Freshfields’ London office proudly hosted the 2025 cohort of the Africa Arbitration Academy (AAA), welcoming 27 mid to...
Jul 24 2025

Inside Infrastructure: Focus on France

Overview  The Choose France 2025 summit, held from May 19 to 21, 2025 at the Château de Versailles, was marked by several major...
Jul 7 2025

Financing resilience: blended capital for climate, nature and livelihoods

Can private capital fill the ‘climate finance gap’, the trillions of dollars shortfall between what is needed to mitigate and adapt to...
Jul 2 2025

Market Trends in the Middle East and Northern Africa

  Hot topics Across the MENA region, long-term national development plans are reshaping the investment landscape and driving...
Feb 12 2025

Lights, Cameras, AI Action

Energised by our attendance at the recent Tortoise Responsible AI Forum, Paris AI Action Summit and City & Financial AI Regulation...
Jul 5 2024

South Africa’s new political landscape: a beacon of hope for business and investment?

The recent elections in South Africa are expected to increase optimism among investors, driven by the inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa and...
Jul 1 2024

EU initiates second dispute settlement procedure with Algeria over trade restrictions – with implications for potential investment arbitrations

The European Commission announced in June 2024 that it has started a dispute settlement procedure with Algeria under the 2002 EU-Algeria...
Dec 21 2023

Facilitating and protecting sustainable investments: the G20 Compact with Africa

On 20 November 2023, the 5th G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) and the 4th G20 Investment Summit took place in Berlin. The CwA was launched...
Sep 13 2023

Changes to Nigeria’s Arbitration Regime

Changes to Nigeria’s Arbitration Regime Nigeria’s Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1988 (the "1988 Act") has been repealed and replaced...
Apr 5 2023

The AfCFTA Investment Protocol will change the landscape of investment protection in Africa: opportunities and risks for investors

Africa’s importance in the world economy has grown remarkably over the years. While the number of intra-African exports has increased, it...
Aug 2 2022

The Africa Arbitration Academy’s Model BIT: a new era for Africa?

In early July 2022, the Africa Arbitration Academy (the Academy) launched its model bilateral investment treaty for African States (the...
Jun 27 2022

Algerian trade cut off with Spain: Spanish companies with interests in Algeria should take measures to manage their risks

Executive summary Algeria’s measure to cut off trade with Spain – in response to Spain’s green light to the Morocco-backed autonomy plan...
Jul 6 2021

Freshfields wins inaugural GAR Green Arbitration Award

On July 1, 2021, Freshfields received the 2021 Campaign for Greener Arbitration Award for Sustainable Behavior at the Global Arbitration...
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