Energy and infrastructure have been driving recent growth in Sub-Saharan Africa resulting in many opportunities for international firms on this exciting continent.  It has also meant that a spotlight on local capabilities offered by firms based in Africa is relevant and IFLR has recently released its first report of this type, ‘Energy and Infrastructure: Sub-Saharan Africa 2013’.  The report is collated using recommendations of leading partners active in the market across the region and interviews with clients, lawyers and non-lawyers, put forward by international firms. These results are also then supported by case evidence.

IFLR’s report says “Bowman Gilfillan currently has arguably the best pan-Africa practice of the South African firms, while its domestic energy and infrastructure practice also gets great feedback”. The Bowman Gilfillan Africa Group (BGAG) was established in 2004 and currently has a presence in four important economies, including South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, with a “best friends” relationship with a Nigerian firm.  The report also mentions various substantial matters each office has been involved in while assisting international clients and foreign counsel.  These matters have included, amongst others, competition and commercial work, mergers and acquisitions, finance, natural resources, mining and metals, telecommunications, as well as oil and gas, wind and renewable energy matters.

Jonathan Lang, who heads up BGAG, says that having offices in these countries has meant clients benefit substantially as the offices frequently work together on large transactions and projects across Africa.  The Group provides top-end legal services to domestic and international clients and advises corporations, financial institutions, governments and state owned enterprises.

IFLR’s report goes on to highly recommend BGAG’s offices in South Africa and Kenya and merits their Tanzania office as being notable.