Dentons expands in Africa

Dentons, global law firm, will launch offerings with local firms in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Senegal. This announcement follows Dentons’ recent combinations with law firms in Vietnam, the Philippines and India as well as the launch of new offerings in New Zealand and Namibia.

Image: Kate Barton, Dentons’ Global CEO-elect

African firms

Dentons is expanding its Africa presence through teaming with Kouengoua Minou Nkongho (KMN) in Cameroon, Pathy Liongo & Associates in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tamrat Assefa Liban Law Office in Ethiopia and LEGALIX in Senegal. Also, these firms have local market expertise, coupled with experience across the energy, mining, banking and finance sectors. Also, with advising clients on corporate transactions.

Cameroon

According to the firm, Cameroon’s offer significant opportunities for global businesses. This is due to the rich natural resources, combined with its position as a major transit hub. The country’s oil and gas, minerals and agricultural industries have yielded significant demand for legal services. Kouengoua Minou Nkongho (KMN) has a 40-year history of managing complex cross-border legal matters.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

The DRC, centrally located, borders 9 nations, rich in cobalt and copper. The DRC actively pursues various projects to enhance its economy, focusing on hydropower and transportation infrastructure investments. Pathy Liongo & Associates offers extensive knowledge in business law throughout the DRC and Africa, with 15 years of experience.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia plans to significantly improve its economic future through renewable energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing projects. In addition, Tamrat Assefa Liban Law Office provides expert legal services in cross-border investment and finance. Especially, in real estate and renewable energy.

Senegal

Serving as one of the main entry points to the African continent, Senegal is launching impactful initiatives to support the growing economy. Also, key industries such as agriculture, mining, shipping and petroleum refining drive cross-border opportunities. LEGALIX is a full-service firm with international experience covering dispute resolution, M&A transactions, banking and finance, regulatory, tax and competition law.

“Building a presence in Cameroon, DRC, Ethiopia and Senegal accelerates Dentons’ momentum in building the leading Pan-African law firm, owned and controlled by Africans,” said Noor Kapdi, Africa Region CEO. “As the first global law firm located in the cities of Douala, Kinshasa, Addis Ababa and Dakar, Dentons is well-positioned to serve our clients as they begin to unlock opportunities in Africa from around the world.”

“We are delighted to be adding expertise in Cameroon, DRC, Ethiopia and Senegal. The energy of emerging markets across Africa is palpable,” said Elliott Portnoy, Dentons Global CEO and Kate Barton, Dentons’ Global CEO-elect. “These four prestigious firms will strengthen our local legal counsel and deepen our ability to meet the needs of our clients – across Africa and the more than 80 countries where Dentons has a presence.”