Our Africa group is headquartered in our London office and includes members in our offices in Paris, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong. We have years of experience advising clients based in and investing into Western Africa. Owing to our strong working relationships with leading law firms in the region, our advice to clients is enhanced by in-depth local knowledge.
Our clients include listed and private companies, financial institutions, high-net-worth individuals, investment companies, governments and state-owned entities.
We offer a full range of services across arbitration, asset finance, aviation, corporate, funds, IPOs, M&A, private equity, fraud and asset recovery, energy and natural resources, litigation, rail, maritime, projects and project finance, regulation, trade and export finance, and construction and engineering. We have acted on a number of high profile matters including for national oil companies and leading Western African banks and organisations.
Over the years, we have developed an in-depth knowledge of business and culture in Western Africa which sets us apart in our ability to work with clients and progress cases and transactions to a satisfactory conclusion.
"Stephenson Harwood’s support in recent months has been tremendous and we look forward to their help in building a major independent oil company."
Les Blair, CEO, Eland Oil & Gas
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigeria's state-owned oil company
Advising in allegations of fraud and forgery in the high-value case involving the defence in England of several attempts to enforce a Nigerian arbitration award. Now valued at over US$350 million.
Eland Oil & Gas Plc, Nigeria
Advised on the IPO of Eland Oil & Gas Plc. on AIM (raising £118 million); the associated acquisitions from Shell, Total and Eni of a 45% stake in a Nigerian oil field; and the associated investment by Helios.
Leading Nigerian banks
In two separate matters, we advised two leading banks in relation to loan defaults by ultra-high net worth individuals. Also acted on the financing of support vessels operating in offshore oilfields in Nigeria.
West African piracy, Benin and Nigeria
Advised London market cargo insurers in respect of the theft of gasoil off the coast of Benin, including attendance on board following the attach and tracing the cargo to land tanks in Nigeria.
Ghanaian vessel owner
Advising on its joint venture agreement with a foreign partner for operation of offshore vessels in Ghanaian waters.
Junior gold producer, Mali
Advised in Mali regarding potential court action in Mali and arbitration proceedings in connection with the sale of an exploration permit and allocation profit shares.
Lukoil Overseas Ghana
Acted in relation to insurance cover issues further to the crash of a helicopter while servicing its local rigs.
Lagos airport PPP, Nigeria
Advised a consortium bidding for the PPP concession to design, build, operate, finance and maintain the new Lekki-Epe International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria.
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Advised the government in relation to the enforcement of an arbitration award in the UK. Advising the National Oil Company on various fraud-related matters.
Government of Sierra Leone
Advised on multiple shipping and trade claims in Sierra Leone.
Equator Exploration, Sao Tome
Advised on agreements and negotiations with São Tomé and Príncipe and Nigerian Governments together with drilling contracts, interim funding, and joint ventures with Korean Oil Corp and ONGC Videsh.
Major shipyard
Negotiating contract for a US$1 billion FPSO construction and installation project for West African oilfields.