Department profile
Baker McKenzie

Banking & Finance

Global Guide 2026 : Africa-wide


Baker McKenzie

Rankings

About

Provided by Baker McKenzie

In addition to over 100 lawyers based in our local African offices (Cairo, Casablanca and Johannesburg), our clients are supported by Africa specialists from across our global network of 77 offices, and our network of African Relationship Firms.

Our global platform is unmatched, giving our team unrivalled access to industry experts across the globe. Given the ever-increasing cross border nature of Banking & Finance deals, we believe our firm is better equipped than many of our competitors to effectively provide legal solutions for clients.

The team is well renowned for its strong presence in bank-to-bank syndicated lending in Africa. We are also legal counsel of choice in multiple Export Finance and Structured Trade Finance transactions for key financial institutions in Africa. We have led the way on many key financings in both the private sector and to state owned entities in key jurisdictions.

We have extensive experience in the financial sector advising national development financial institutions, multi-lateral development banks and export credit agencies on a wide range of transactions including acquisition finance, restructuring and insolvency, derivatives, project finance, financial services regulation, securitisation and capital markets.

The focus of our practice group is trade finance, export finance, project finance, bank-to-bank lending, acquisition finance and specialist work for impact investors such as development finance institutions and export credit agencies.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Banking & Finance - Africa-wide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Baker McKenzie's London and Paris offices both have a strong track record in trade and development finance. The firm often acts for blue-chip commercial lenders based in North America, Europe and Asia, and is also a frequent counsel to multilaterals. Its comprehensive international network includes offices in Casablanca, Cairo and Johannesburg, all of which are well placed to provide support on major cross-border matters. The firm is active on deals across Africa, with recent experience relating to jurisdictions such as Nigeria and Angola.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Baker McKenzie advised African Ex-Im Bank, as lead arranger, on a USD190 million loan facility provided to Somoil to finance its acquisition and subsequent development of a crude oil block in Angola from Total Energies.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • We greatly appreciate that Baker McKenzie is very accessible and available. They leverage their credentials and have a broad frame of reference for transactions, which is helpful.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
  • Baker McKenzie brings a deep understanding of complex, cross-border projects, particularly in emerging markets.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
  • Baker McKenzie is notable for the good availability of its partners and associates, its quick, clear responses and its good advice.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
  • Baker McKenzie provides an excellent level of know-how and service. They are very responsive and always deal-oriented.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • SpotlightLuka Lightfoot
    SpotlightLuka Lightfoot

    Luka Lightfoot

    Luka Lightfoot is a London-based partner who is often mandated on Africa-related export and trade finance transactions. His regular clients include several leading global investment banks and development finance institutions.

  • SpotlightMichael Foundethakis
    SpotlightMichael Foundethakis

    Michael Foundethakis

    Michael Foundethakis is global head of the project, trade and export finance group within Baker McKenzie, and is based in Paris. He has extensive experience advising on Africa-related mandates and maintains a number of long-term client relationships in the finance sector.

    • Michael Foundethakis is my partner of choice for Africa-based loan transactions.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
    • Michael is an excellent lawyer who is very available and able to provide clear answers.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Baker McKenzie (2)

Africa-wide

Members

Provided by Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie has rankings in the following guides

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