Category: Press

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.

 

 

Leading francophone Africa law firm ADNA advises Sunrise Group, the world-leading Chinese textile manufacturer, on its landmark USD230 million (MAD2.3 billion) investment in Morocco. This strategic project will establish two industrial units in Skhirat and Fez, reinforcing Morocco’s role as a key hub for the textile industry.

This milestone agreement, signed under the leadership of Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, highlights Morocco’s attractiveness for foreign investors and its dynamic economic growth.
ADNA is honored to support major international investments that drive industrial growth and create new opportunities.

The team was led by Youssef Benamar (Partner), Safia Fassi Fihri (Partner), assisted by associates Ghita Berrada (Senior Associate) and Laila Harrouni (Junior Associate).

ADNA advised Yamed Group on the sale-and-leaseback transaction for the iconic Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech. This strategic collaboration aims to strengthen the resort’s market position through a major expansion project in partnership with Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels.

For Yamed, this venture enhances its portfolio by adding high-value hospitality assets. Investing in landmark properties like the Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech strengthens its diversification strategy and positions the company to capitalize on high-growth potential sectors.

The agreement remains subject to regulatory approval and other conditions.

ADNA team consisted of Youssef Benamar, Safia Fassi Fihri, Ghita Berrada and Laila Harrouni Bouissane.

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.