Category: Press

ADNA recently advised Coris Bank International on its strategic partnership agreement with MCP Mediterrania Capital Partners, alongside a consortium of European DFIs including FMO, BII, BIO and Impact Fund Denmark.

This agreement involves an equity investment of EUR100 million (XOF 65 billion) by the consortium and marks a key milestone for the Coris Group. It will help accelerate its growth, strengthen its ability to support States and clients, and advance its mission to provide innovative, inclusive, and accessible financial solutions across African economies.

A transformative deal for a bold African financial leader — shaping the future and changing the narrative of African finance.

Partner Sydney Domoraud led the transaction, assisted by counsel Boubacar Diao and senior associate Julia Challoub.

ADNA has advised CDG Invest (212 Founders), venture capital arm of the CDG Group, on the sale of its shares in Moroccan e-logistics leader Cathedis to Ora Technologies and Azur Innovation Management. CDG Invest’s early investment helped Cathedis scale its operations, expand its network, and strengthen Morocco’s digital delivery ecosystem. This transaction reflects the energy and ambition driving Morocco’s startup scene—and the collective effort shaping Africa’s innovation story.

Partner Safia Fassi-Fihri led the transaction, assisted by associate Dina Benjelloun.

ADNA recently advised Delta Air Lines on the launch of its first nonstop flight to Morocco. This new Atlanta–Marrakech route will operate three times per week, opening news horizons for tourism, business, and cultural exchange between the USA and Morocco. Building on Delta’s existing Africa network, this pioneering connection comes in the runup to Marrakech co-hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030.

Partner Safia Fassi-Fihri led the transaction, assisted by associate Ghita Yazine.

Codex already operates more than 120 cranes, forklifts and other heavy logistics machines, serving clients in the energy and mining sectors amongst others. This investment will facilitate Codex’s growth and expansion into new regional markets in West Africa. The ADNA team advised Codex on all legal aspects of the transaction, led by partner Safia Fassi Fihri and assisted by counsel Boubacar DIAO and senior associate Sarah Rachedi. Genesis Capital acted as financial advisor, led by William Turkson.

Starting 15 October 2025, Orphée Haddad, ADNA’s Head of Disputes, will take on the role of Co-Chair at AfricArb.

An active community of arbitration practitioners, academics, and students, AfricArb is dedicated to promoting arbitration across the African continent. It serves as a forum for exchange and dialogue, a training hub on arbitration in Africa, and a think tank fostering reflection and discussion. The association also regularly organises events, including its annual conference at Paris Arbitration Week and its AfricArb Cafés.

Orphée will co-chair alongside Ledea Sawadogo Lewis, succeeding Thomas Kendra and Paul-Jean Le Cannu, who will be passing on the baton after the association’s founding by Athina Fouchard Papaefstratiou and Capucine Davy – du Pac de Marsoulies.

For the third year in a row, we are hugely grateful to Africa Business+ and Jeune Afrique for highlighting ADNA as one of the top 3 African law firms in its 2025 Legal Powerlist and singling out Safia Fassi Fihri, Salimatou Diallo and Youssef Benamar as among the most influential lawyers in Francophone Africa.

Thank you to our clients who trust and inspire us to raise the bar in everything we do and also to everyone at team ADNA who make these successes possible.

 

Proparco supported, as anchor investor, the CRRH Caisse Régionale de Refinancement Hypothécaire-UEMOA (the West African Economic & Monetary Union’s Regional Mortgage Refinancing Fund) for the successful issuance of this social bond on West Africa’s Abidjan-based regional stock exchange BRVM (Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières).

To encourage local private investors to subscribe to this bond issuance, Proparco committed alongside CRRH-UEMOA with a subscription of XOF 7.5 billion (c. EUR 11.5 million). This financing is entirely dedicated to the acquisition of affordable housing across West Africa — a crucial step in strengthening access to decent homes in a region where demand far exceeds supply.

Sydney Domoraud, who led the ADNA team on the ground in Abidjan assisted by associates Salimata Sow and Sigismond Konan, commented: “We are grateful to Proparco for entrusting ADNA with this ground-breaking social impact investment. It’s a milestone for affordable housing in West Africa, expected to finance nearly 2,000 homes and generate 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.”

Congratulations to everyone involved on this initiative which will have significant impact for the region. Martial Akakpo & Associés advised as Togolese counsel.

This strategic EUR 32.6m investment will support the construction of a 21,000 m2 complex integrating retail, office, and serviced residential spaces in response to Abidjan’s growing demand for modern and sustainable infrastructure while also reinforcing the city as a hub for hospitality and business tourism in Côte d’Ivoire and across West Africa.

The team was led by partner Sydney Domoraud and counsel Ghita Bennis, assisted by associates Salimata Sow, Sékou Bah and Sigismond Konan. Hogan Lovells advised as international counsel.