Firm Shortlisted in IFLR Sub-Saharan Africa Awards 2020

August 25, 2020 — Hughes Hubbard has been shortlisted as a finalist in International Financial Law Review’s (IFLR) inaugural Sub-Saharan Africa Awards 2020 for its work as legal adviser to the government of Côte d'Ivoire, or Ivory Coast.

The firm was nominated for “Deal of the Year” in project finance: energy, infrastructure and natural resources for its role in the financing of the expansion of the Azito combined-cycle power plant that will strengthen Ivory Coast’s position as the leading exporter of electricity to the surrounding region.

The IFLR Sub-Saharan Africa Awards recognizes the most legally innovative deals from across the region and the firms and lawyers behind them. IFLR will announce the winners online on Sept. 10.  

Clifford Chance, Hogan Lovells, King & Spalding and Latham & Watkins are among the other firms nominated for “Deal of the Year” in project finance: energy, infrastructure and natural resources. IFLR’s shortlist is based on preliminary research, including direct written nominations and conversations with law firm partners, in-house teams and clients.

HHR has represented the Ivory Coast government in various energy projects in recent years to expand the generation capacity of West Africa’s largest economy. The Azito expansion project is expected to provide approximately 2,000 jobs during the construction phase.

“The diversification and increase of electricity production are key issues for the economic development of Ivory Coast and West Africa, which are facing strong growth in demand,” said Sena Agbayissah, who leads the HHR team. “We are delighted to be able to support the Ivorian government in implementing and securing these strategic projects.”

In addition to Agbayissah, the HHR team includes Rhidian David and Agnès Braka-Calas.