ADNA

Four years ago, we set out to become a leading force in Francophone Africa by combining local expertise with a global vision. Today, we’re proud of our journey, grateful for your trust, and excited for what 2025 will bring. Wishing you a year of success, progress, and growth! Happy New Year 2025! Youssef Benamar Foued Bourabiat Salimatou Diallo Sydney DOMORAUD OPERI Safia Fassi Fihri

Our ADNA team is excited to extend a warm welcome to our new associate Sarah Rachedi who joins our Corporate and M&A team. We’re so happy to have you on board! 🔗 https://bit.ly/3DNFWxw

ADNA advised IFC - International Finance Corporation in a landmark equity 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 Groupe Holmarcom, with CREDIT DU MAROC and AtlantaSanad Assurance. 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 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. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3BGNNME

[Cote d'Ivoire] 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 OPERI. The team was comprised of Salimata SOW, Senior Associate, Sékou BAH and Coralie Saki, Associates.

ADNA is pleased to share that we have once again been recognised in IFLR1000 's top-tier rankings—a meaningful acknowledgment of our team’s hard work and dedication. This ranking celebrates our daily commitment to excellence but, more than anything, it’s a celebration of our clients and our people. Special congratulations to Ghita Bennis and Christina Karaouni recognised “Rising Star”. To our clients, thank you for your continued trust. We look forward to achieving greater success together.

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 PLC 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. ADNA team was composed of Sydney DOMORAUD OPERI, Christina Karaouni, Julia Challoub, André Aurélien ZEREDJI, Sigismond KONAN, Coralie Saki. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4fOn4wi

Our partner Sydney DOMORAUD OPERI is participating in SIREXE 2024 International Extractive and Energy Resources Exhibition this week, 27 November – 2 December 2024 at the Parc des Expositions d’Abidjan. If you’re attending get in touch with Sydney for a chat. See you at SIREXE 2024!

We are excited to announce the participation of Safia Fassi Fihri and Youssef Benamar to the Morocco Showcase Summit: Tourism, Hospitality, Investment at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca. As a law firm committed to supporting growth and development in the tourism and hospitality industries in Morocco and in Francophone Africa, we're delighted to meet key stakeholders, clients and friends. Feel free to contact us to meet up during the summit!

We are pleased to announce that as of November 1, 2024, Boubacar DIAO has been promoted to Of Counsel at ADNA! Boubacar's extensive expertise in corporate law, particularly in M&A transactions for both public and private entities, has been instrumental to our team. He assists clients through venture capital and development capital transactions. His ability to coordinate cross-border legal teams for international deals consistently brings unparalleled value to our clients. There is no doubt he will continue contributing to our long-term success.

The 5th Annual Conference of the African Arbitration Association took place this year in Douala, Cameroon, on the 10th and 11th of October, bringing together arbitration professionals from across Africa, along with regional and local officials, and judges from the Cameroonian courts of appeal. The panel discussion on ‘Costs and Funding Issues,’ which I had the opportunity to moderate, addressed challenges faced across the continent, reviewed responses from various countries, and explored innovative solutions. The discussion was enriched by the insights of my co-panellists, Mercy Chimtawi, Sami Houerbi, and Godson Ugochukwu, and further animated by the audience’s lively participation — a pan-African exchange that is very dear to us at ADNA. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Sylvie Bebohi Ebongo, Julius Nkafu, Ikpeme Nkebem, and GASTON KENFACK DOUAJNI for their exceptional hospitality and impeccable organisation, which made the event truly memorable. Salimatou Diallo, Foued Bourabiat, Safia Fassi Fihri, Sydney DOMORAUD OPERI, Youssef Benamar · AfricArb · #Africa #InternationalArbitration #DisputeResolution #OHADA