Category: Press

ALN, Africa’s leading alliance of law firms, is pleased to announce the addition of N. Dowuona & Company, one of Ghana’s leading law firms, as its newest member firm. This strategic partnership strengthens ALN’s footprint across the continent and enhances its West African presence.

Founded by NanaAma Botchway, N. Dowuona & Company has become a trusted leader in the Ghanaian legal market. The Firm entered the market with a bold ambition to redefine legal practice by leveraging international standards. Starting from scratch, the team has built the Firm with dedication and innovation, transforming it within 10 years into one of Ghana’s top law firms. Their shared vision, dynamism, and legal intellect have driven the Firm’s growth and set new benchmarks in the country’s legal landscape. The Firm is top-ranked in Corporate & M&A, Infrastructure Projects and Banking and Finance. The Firm was also honoured as Law Firm of the Year (2023) by Chambers & Partners at the Chambers Africa Awards and has been shortlisted twice for Law Firm of the Year West Africa, by the African Legal Awards (2023 and 2024). The Firm’s exceptional calibre of work and the expertise of its lawyers have earned most of its Partners recognition in legal directories, with NanaAma, who is ranked and recognised as a tier 1 market leader in M&A, banking, finance, and infrastructure projects and top ranked by Chambers Global and the IFLR1000, leading the rankings, alongside other partners Gwendy Miranda Bannerman and Achiaa Akobour Debrah and International Transactions Advisor Alex Calloway, who are also highly regarded.

The Firm boasts extensive expertise across key practice areas and specialist skills in emerging and innovative fields. The team’s work is consistently recognised for its depth of knowledge and commitment to delivering comprehensive legal solutions. This strategic partnership reinforces ALN’s position as a leading legal, business and advisory solutions provider across West Africa and the African Continent. N. Dowuona & Company now joins ALN Nigeria and ADNA (ALN firms in Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Morocco) enhancing ALN’s reach and ability to provide seamless, in-depth legal expertise across Anglophone and Francophone West Africa. This partnership underscores the commitment of ALN and N. Dowuona & Company to support and shape Africa’s contribution to the global economy, providing clients with the legal support needed to succeed in a dynamic, evolving landscape.

The Firm’s leadership team is excited about the benefits of this alliance for their exceptional team as well as their clients.

“We are very excited to join this Alliance of outstanding African law firms. It’s a natural progression in our firm’s growth trajectory,” NanaAma Botchway, Managing Partner of N. Dowuona & Company enthused. “We can now support our clients across Africa and beyond.“

“At a time when African businesses are becoming increasingly interconnected, this move ensures our clients will have seamless access to exceptional legal support across the continent,“ notes Gwendy Bannerman, head of disputes. 

Achiaa Akobour Debrah, who leads the banking and finance practice, adds: “We have always worked to give our lawyers the best on-the-job training, and we’re excited to build on this foundation by collaborating with like-minded firms across the continent.“ 

 Alex Calloway, International Transaction Adviser — UK Counsel at the Firm, emphasises the significance of this expansion: “Joining ALN is a fantastic platform for us to support our clients seamlessly across multiple African jurisdictions. After many years of advising on international transactions, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial seamless legal support can be. Joining forces with leading firms across Africa allows us to offer clients comprehensive coverage while maintaining the deep local expertise they count on us for.“

1. Dowuona & Company’s decision to join the ALN will enhance ALN’s capabilities and standing in the market. It also builds on the solid foundation the Alliance has developed over the years for its pan-African offering. ALN continues to offer a unique blend of global skills, expertise and local know-how, based on collaboration between leading African law firms.

“We are delighted to welcome on board the leading law firm in Ghana,“ comments Gbenga Oyebode, Chairman of ALN. “Adding N. Dowuona & Company’s expertise enhances our pan-African alliance, offering clients the unique advantage of local insight and global reach to succeed in an ever-evolving market. Together, we empower our clients to achieve their commercial goals with ALN’s hallmark of intellectual rigour, agility, and cross-border capabilities.“

Joining ALN provides N. Dowuona & Company access to ALN’s extensive alliance of legal resources, practice groups, and a wide-ranging client base spanning multiple sectors and industries. This partnership further empowers N. Dowuona & Company to leverage ALN’s collaborative approach, ensuring clients benefit from a broad spectrum of legal services delivered by top-tier legal professionals across the continent.

“We are confident that N. Dowuona & Company’s joining ALN will strengthen and expand our services for clients in Ghana and across Africa. We are also deeply grateful to our clients and stakeholders, whose ongoing support has fuelled our growth. As the exclusive ALN firm in Ghana, N. Dowuona & Company will leverage the alliance’s integrated approach to help clients seamlessly navigate business across the Continent,“ comments Karim Anjarwalla, ALN Board Director and Senior Partner, ALN Kenya.

1. Dowuona & Company’s addition marks an important step forward in ALN’s strategy to build a cohesive pan-African alliance of leading law firms. By combining local expertise with regional perspectives, ALN continues strengthening its commitment to delivering high-quality legal, business and advisory solutions that respond to Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities.

About ALN

ALN is an integrated alliance of the preeminent full-service corporate law firms in 15 African countries: Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. ALN also has a regional office in Dubai, UAE, which serves as a gateway to the Gulf region and beyond.

Together, ALN firms provide clients with seamless practical and business-focused legal, advisory and transactional services across Africa. The Alliance specialises in blending deep local knowledge and reach with sector-specific expertise, to successfully guide clients in navigating locally and across borders.

The Alliance specialises in blending deep local knowledge and reach with sector-specific expertise, to successfully guide clients in navigating locally and across borders. ALN has won several awards, including Africa Network/Alliance of the Year, in recognition of its legal innovation in cross-border transactions. Chambers Global has also consistently ranked ALN as Band 1 in the Leading Regional Law Firm Networks – Global Africa-wide category.

About N. Dowuona & Company

Founded in 2011, N. Dowuona & Company has rapidly established itself among Ghana’s elite corporate law firms. Named Ghana Law Firm of the Year 2023 by Chambers and ranked Band 1 for corporate/commercial work, the Firm is praised for combining “broad international experience with a deep knowledge of the Ghanaian regulatory regime” (Legal 500). The Firm regularly advises on Ghana’s most significant corporate transactions, serving as trusted counsel to international businesses, development finance institutions and leading Ghanaian corporates.

1. Dowuona & Company prioritises understanding and anticipating clients’ specific requirements, tailoring its services accordingly. The Firm remains attuned to innovations in business as well as local and global political and economic developments, ensuring that these factors are carefully considered in providing sound legal advice.

ADNA advised International Finance Corporation (IFC) in a landmark investment aimed at expanding access to finance and insurance across Africa. Under the partnership IFC has committed to acquire, subject to regulatory approvals, a minority equity stake in Holmarcom Finance Company (HFC), the financial services arm of the Moroccan conglomerate Holmarcom Group, with Credit du Maroc and Atlanta Sanad.

This strategic investment is expected to significantly improve access to credit, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a dedicated focus on women-owned businesses and climate-related initiatives. Additionally, it will support the expansion of life and non-life insurance services, strengthening financial security for individuals and businesses across the continent.

ADNA provided comprehensive advisory services that were instrumental in structuring this transaction, which builds upon the existing partnership between IFC and Holmarcom Insurance Activities established in 2021. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to fostering financial inclusion and driving sustainable economic development in Africa.

ADNA remains committed to delivering expert advisory services that facilitate impactful investments and contribute to sustainable growth in Morocco’s financial sector and beyond.

The ADNA team was composed of Safia Fassi-Fihri and Ghita Berrada.

ADNA has advised JC MONT-FORT and its Ivorian subsidiary, Katiola Solar Power, as lead counsel in connection with negotiating a concession agreement with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire for the design, financing, building, operation, maintenance and transfer of a 50 MWc solar photovoltaic power plant in Katiola, located in the Hambol region (Côte d’Ivoire).

The concession agreement was signed by Ms. Chantal Gass, President of Katiola Solar Power, and Mr. Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, during the International Exhibition for Extractive and Energy Resources (SIREXE).

This project, fully financed by Katiola Solar Power under a public-private partnership framework, is expected to be operational by the second semester of 2026. The plant will avoid the emission of 4,750 tons of CO₂ annually, significantly contributing to the country’s environmental goals.

The Government of Côte d’Ivoire, aiming to integrate 45% renewable energy into its energy mix by 2030, including 8% from solar energy, views this project as a significant step toward achieving its goal of diversifying energy sources.

This partnership demonstrates JC MONT-FORT and Katiola Solar Power’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in Côte d’Ivoire by providing clean, reliable energy to foster the country’s economic and social progress.

ADNA is proud to have assisted JC MONT-FORT as lead counsel from the signing of the memorandum of understanding until the signing of the concession agreement.

The ADNA team was led by Partner Sydney Domoraud. The team was comprised of Salimata Sow, Senior Associate, Sekou Bah and Coralie Saki, Associates.

About JC MONT-FORT

JC MONT-FORT is an international company specializing in the development and management of innovative energy projects. With a strong presence in Africa, JC MONT-FORT is dedicated to delivering sustainable energy solutions and contributing to the economic growth of the regions in which it operates.

About Katiola Solar Power

Katiola Solar Power is the Ivorian subsidiary of JC MONT-FORT, focused on promoting renewable energy in Côte d’Ivoire. The company is committed to implementing solar projects that enhance the country’s energy capacity while adhering to the highest environmental standards.

ADNA, acting as Ivorian law counsel, alongside lead counsel Slaughter and May, advised on a landmark deal in the gold mining industry, specifically on Ivorian law aspects, as part of AngloGold Ashanti’s acquisition of Centamin plc. This strategic deal, which was executed via a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Jersey law, became effective in November 2024.

The acquisition of Centamin adds significant value to AngloGold Ashanti’s portfolio, most notably through Centamin’s flagship Sukari gold mine in Egypt. The Doropo gold project in Côte d’Ivoire has a potential annual gold production estimated at 167,000 oz, further highlighting the country’s vast mining potential. Côte d’Ivoire holds one-third of West Africa’s gold potential, and three-quarters of its subsoil is rich in critical minerals, underscoring the strategic importance of the region.

The Ivorian Government has made the extractive sector a priority and expects it to be the second pillar of its economic development in the coming years.

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, AngloGold Ashanti operates in nine countries across four continents and is recognized as a leader in the global gold mining sector. With a primary listing on the New York Stock Exchange and secondary listings in Johannesburg, A2X, and Ghana, the company is focused on delivering high-quality operations, exploration, and growth.

Centamin is a prominent gold producer with a flagship Tier 1 Sukari mine in Egypt, one of the largest producing gold mines globally, listed on the London and Toronto stock exchanges.

ADNA team was composed of Sydney Domoraud, Christina Karaouni, Julia Challoub, Aurélien Zeredji, Sigismond Konan, Coralie Saki.

ADNA has advised Stellantis on a two-phase acquisition of SOPRIAM, the automotive subsidiary of the Al Mada group. The first stage secures immediate majority control, with the complete acquisition of all shares planned for early 2025. This acquisition marks a significant step in Stellantis’ commitment to boost its operations and presence in Morocco.

With this acquisition, Stellantis Middle East & Africa will now handle the import and distribution of Peugeot, Citroën, and DS Automobiles in Morocco, alongside their existing brands including Fiat, Abarth & C. Spa, Jeep, Alfa Romeo.

This consolidation aims to streamline services and enhance the customer experience across Morocco.

ADNA team was composed of Safia Fassi Fihri, Youssef Benamar, Ghita Berrada, Laila Boujida, Boubacar DIAO and Tamba Adrien Iffono.

ADNA, acting as Ivorian law counsel, alongside lead counsel Mayer Brown advised VAALCO Energy (“VAALCO”), an independent energy company, on its acquisition of Svenska Petroleum Exploration (“Svenska”), a Sweden-based offshore oil company, for a net purchase price of $40.2 million in cash. This acquisition strategically enhances VAALCO’s presence in West Africa and unlocks further development opportunities in the region.

VAALCO Energy, Inc. is a Houston, Texas-based independent energy company engaged in the production, development, and acquisition of oil and natural gas properties in West and North Africa and western Canada. VAALCO’s strategy is to increase reserves and production through the development and exploitation of international oil and natural gas properties, with a primary focus on Africa. The Company’s properties are located offshore Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, onshore Egypt, and western Canada and, following the completion of the acquisition, Cote d’Ivoire.

Svenska Petroleum Exploration is a Swedish-based oil and gas company specializing in offshore exploration and production. Activities are presently based in Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria with its primary asset being a non-operated working interest in a deepwater producing field in offshore Cote d’Ivoire.

The ADNA team was led by Sydney Domoraud and included Aurélien Zeredji, Sigismond Konan and Coralie Saki.

ADNA has advised Injaro Investment Advisors, a Ghanaian private capital fund manager, on an equity investment in Nouvelle Mici Embaci (NME), a leading packaging company in Côte d’Ivoire and Francophone West Africa. This transaction marks the second investment made by the Injaro Ghana Venture Capital Fund (IGVCF), and the Fund’s first investment in Côte d’Ivoire.

IGVCF will join an existing consortium of private equity investors including Advanced Finance and Investment Group (AFIG Funds) and the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries (Norfund), who completed a 100% acquisition of NME last year.

IGVCF’s investment will allow the Company to unlock the next stage of growth by deepening its market share in Côte d’Ivoire and expanding to other West African countries.

The ADNA team was led by Partner Sydney Domoraud, Senior Associate Boubacar Diao and Managing Associates André Aurélien Zeredji and Julia Challloub.

For more information: https://www.injaroinvestments.com/blog/igvcf-makes-eur-2m-equity-investment-in-nouvelle-mici-embaci

With the ambition to become the leading firm in real estate in Morocco and Francophone Africa, ADNA strengthens its real estate practice with the arrival of Youssef Benamar as a new partner hire. The firm aims to capitalise on Youssef Benamar’s expertise to implement an integrated strategy, based on a deep understanding of the North and West African markets, as well as forging new partnerships, while striving to achieve expansion goals across the continent.

Youssef Benamar joining ADNA marks a significant milestone in the firm’s ambition to become a key player in real estate in Francophone Africa. Youssef has been advising local and international clients on various aspects of real estate law across different assets including industrial, commercial, residential, hospitality, and logistics.

Youssef has extensive experience in the industrial sector, advising numerous investors in the development of their industrial projects in Morocco. He also represents and advises clients in arbitration proceedings related to real estate disputes (particularly construction and promotion).

In recent years, Youssef has advised Hands Corporation (the fifth largest manufacturer of aluminum alloy wheels globally) on the development and operation of a new production unit located in the Tangier Free Zone in Morocco, as well as Cantor Capital Group on the development of office towers within the Casa Anfa zone. He has also contributed to legislative reform on industrial zones in Morocco advising the Millennium Challenge Account Morocco (MCC) and the Ministry of Industry on drafting the new law on industrial zones.

Youssef will bring his real estate law expertise to the development of a new multidisciplinary practice closely integrated with ADNA’s teams.

“We aim to position ADNA as the leader in real estate law in North and West Africa, offering top local expertise designed to meet the requirements of major sector investors,” said Youssef Benamar.

The firm plans to leverage Youssef Benamar’s experience in real estate to develop strong internal synergies, particularly with the Project team led by Ghita Bennis and the Arbitration team led by Orphée Haddad, as noted by Safia Fassi Fihri, Co-founder Partner of ADNA:

“The real estate sector is a key strategic focus at ADNA. Youssef Benamar’s arrival follows recent developments in our project/project finance and arbitration practices and perfectly aligns with our desire to further grow our African practice and expertise across the continent. Youssef brings extensive expertise in real estate law and a deep understanding of the real estate market. Our goal is to further expand our presence in Francophone Africa to effectively meet investors’ needs.”

About ADNA:

www.adnalaw.com

ADNA is a team of lawyers and legal advisers with a shared entrepreneurial spirit, who have created a solid, independent, and integrated law firm for Africa, whose activities extend from North Africa to West Africa. A firm with a pan-African vision and profoundly international expertise. With offices in Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Morocco, ADNA is also a member of the ALN (Africa Legal Network), which acts as a bridge between English-speaking and French-speaking Africa.

With over 45 years’ cumulative experience on the African continent, ADNA places its ambition at the service of its clients in order to advise them more effectively, by breaking the codes of traditional law firms. ADNA supports its clients in the success of all their projects thanks to a tailor-made legal service.

ADNA helps clients navigate complex business environments. Our recommendations are based on strategic guidance and detailed analysis, while providing local and international clients with tailor-made solutions through long-term, professional, and trusting relationships.

 

ADNA LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/adna/

 

Youssef Benamar LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/youssef-benamar-90457b1a5/

 

Press contact :

Christelle Rivière – Media and Influence Consultant – Eliott & Markus

Tel : 01.89.16.08.77 // 06.84.46.66.76

Email : c.riviere@eliott-markus.com

Driven by the ambition to support its clients on large-scale projects, ADNA announces the arrival of Ghita Bennis as Counsel. This strategic arrival will consolidate the firm’s Finance and Projects practice.

 Ghita Bennis brings extensive experience in structured finance, project finance, and project development in French-speaking Africa. With her qualifications and diverse professional background at international law firms including Linklaters and Ashurst in Paris and New York, as well as her recent role as legal manager for NBA Africa and the Basketball Africa League in Dakar, Ghita is a valuable addition. She enhances the firm’s capabilities in financing and projects in North and West Africa. Ghita’s specific knowledge in mining, oil, energy, and infrastructure sectors will strengthen ADNA’s position as a key player in French-speaking Africa, enabling the firm to continue its development by consolidating its leading position in Francophone Africa.

 Salimatou Diallo, Managing Partner of ADNA: “We are delighted to welcome Ghita to ADNA. Her unique experience in both complex structured finance and project development on the continent will help to strengthen our already well-established practices in these areas. This integration also demonstrates the importance of our human resources as a key pillar of the firm’s development. Our recruitment strategy illustrates our commitment to serving our international clients, both financial institutions and corporates, ever more effectively, while at the same time deepening our relationships with partner firms worldwide”.

 For Ghita, joining ADNA means embracing a shared vision: “It was ADNA’s vibrant entrepreneurial culture that attracted me, a firm made up of a mosaic of talent from every continent. As an independent firm, ADNA works with public bodies, banks and sponsors as well as international law firms. I can identify with the firm’s quest for excellence and their unique positioning in the market”.

Ghita Bennis joins an African law firm with an unrivalled reputation and dynamism in French-speaking Africa. The firm boasts a strong team of lawyers and legal advisers, including partners Foued Bourabiat, Salimatou Diallo, Sydney Domoraud and Safia Fassi-Fihri.

About ADNA :

www.adnalaw.com 

ADNA is a team of lawyers and legal advisers with a shared entrepreneurial spirit, who have created a solid, independent, and integrated law firm for Africa, whose activities extend from North Africa to West Africa. A firm with a pan-African vision and profoundly international expertise. With offices in Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Morocco, ADNA is also a member of the ALN (Africa Legal Network), which acts as a bridge between English-speaking and French-speaking Africa.

With over 45 years’ cumulative experience on the African continent, ADNA places its ambition at the service of its clients in order to advise them more effectively, by breaking the codes of traditional law firms. ADNA supports its clients in the success of all their projects thanks to a tailor-made legal service.

ADNA helps clients navigate complex business environments. Our recommendations are based on strategic guidance and detailed analysis, while providing local and international clients with tailor-made solutions through long-term, professional, and trusting relationships.

ADNA LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/adna/

Ghita Bennis LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghitabennis/

 

Press contact :

Christelle Rivière – Media et Influence Consultant – Eliott & Markus

Tel : 01.89.16.08.77 // 06.84.46.66.76

Email : c.riviere@eliott-markus.com

ADNA has advised Adiwale Fund I on a minority equity investment in Global Action, a growing consumer goods distribution company in Senegal.

Adiwale Partners is an independent private equity fund manager established in 2016 based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The company manages Adiwale Fund I, a €60 million private equity fund that provides operational support to companies looking to strengthen and grow in West Africa and beyond. Adiwale Fund I invests primarily in consumer goods and services, business services and manufacturing.

Global Action was founded in 2014 and is a significant player in wholesale distribution in Senegal with customers in several regions of the country.

Adiwale’s funding will enable Global Action to open additional points of sale across the country densifying its distribution network and expanding its affordably priced product offering. Adiwale will also contribute to strengthening Global Action’s managerial and operational capabilities by participating in the reinforcement of the team and by investing in logistics and IT systems.

Sydney Domoraud, ADNA Fonding Partner in Abidjan commented “As a leading pan-African firm active in Francophone Africa, it is our pleasure and honour to assist ambitious organisations such as Adiwale Partners expand their activities on the Continent”.

The ADNA team was led by Partner Sydney Domoraud (Côte d’Ivoire), Senior Associate Boubacar Diao and associates Julia Challoub and Sékou Bah.

Press contact:

Dalila Hammadi T +33 (1) 88 33 26 39

dalila.hammadi@eliott-markus.com