GENI & KEBE

Managing Partner: Mouhamed Kebe

Partners and Team Leaders: Mohamed Abdallah Dieng, Boubacar Diakité, Fodé Sarr, Mbaye Seck, Soraya Imani

Attorneys and Counsel: Annick Kobenan, Cecilia Ahouadi, Ousmane Aliou Ly, Ruth Balounga, Thierry Dadji, Ousseynou Damiens Aw, Emmanuel Djiba, Saliou Fall, Agaisha Kebe, Brigitte Otele, Alassane Ouattara, Andi germain Tano, Marlene Dassourou, Roger Ahinongbe, Fatou Ndiaye, Mame Diarra Ndiaye, Carine Boussou.

Of Counsel: Dr Sylvain Sankale, Timothy Cherry, Basile Mayoue ( Cameroon, CEMAC Region)

Chief Operating Manager: Aly Kebe Dieng

Operations Manager: Aly Kebe Dieng

Human Resources Manager: Fatima Princess Diop

Finance Directors: Bakary Traore, Hamidou Billa

Clercks: Mapenda Wade, Emmanuel Sarr, René Faye

Languages: English, French, Arabic

Firm Overview:

GENI & KEBE is a full-service commercial law firm and a member of DLA Piper Africa, delivering expert legal services across sub-Saharan Africa with a strong emphasis on francophone jurisdictions. Founded in 1912 to advise foreign embassies and companies seeking to do business in the region, we are one of the oldest law firms in Sub-Saharan Africa. Now in our second century, we remain a trusted partner for local and international corporations, governments, and non-governmental organizations seeking practical, business-minded legal solutions.

Our approach is built on collaboration. We combine dedicated practitioners with a regional focus, working closely with clients, affiliates, and international partners to deliver high-quality advice and pragmatic solutions for investors and institutions. Chambers Global recognizes us as “a premier firm, thanks to its international approach and high standard of work,” a testament to our consistent delivery and breadth of experience.

Our international qualifications span leading universities across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Australia, reflecting a global perspective alongside deep local knowledge. This unique combination enables us to navigate both global best practices and local business and government environments with ease.

Geographic footprint

• • Offices: Senegal (Dakar, Mbour, and Tambacounda), Côte d’Ivoire (Abidjan), and a Liaison Officer in Cameroon.
  • Affiliate network: presence in thirteen additional countries—Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Togo—providing pan-African reach and integrated services.
  • Global affiliation: member firm of DLA Piper Africa, connecting with leading independent lawyers across Africa and the world through the DLA Piper network.

Why clients choose GENI & KEBE

• • Deep local insight combined with international perspective.
  • Ability to handle pan-African corporate transactions and complex cross-border matters.
  • Collaborative model that brings together general counsel, executives, and project teams for practical, business-focused outcomes.
  • A broad practice across corporate, finance, energy and natural resources, real estate, technology, dispute resolution, tax, regulatory, IPT and employment matters, supported by a robust network of affiliate offices and international partners.

Welcome to GENI & KEBE as we look forward to working with you with efficiency and efficacity.

Main Areas of Practice:

-Banking & Finance/Islamic Finance

-Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions

-Dispute Resolution (including Alternative Dispute Resolution)

-Employment & Labour

-Natural Resources (Energy, Oil & Gas, Mining)

-Public-Private Partnerships

-Real Estate & Construction

-IPT & AI

-Telecommunications, Media & Technology

-Tax

Key Transactions:

•In October 2024, we assisted JP Morgan & Chase on a tap issue of a Eurobond deal worth $300 million by the Republic of Senegal.

•We provided critical expertise (JP Morgan & Chase) in the $750 millions Eurobond issued in June by the Republic of Senegal

•We have been appointed by the Chadian Government to assist set up new regulations in the energy sector, and the telecommunications sector.

• • Regarding the energy project, we workedwith the Department of Energy and help them set up new regulations dealing with the regulatory systemand draft templates of concessions.
• • Regarding the telecommunications sector, we are working with Grant ThorntonSenegal office to set up new rules and schemes related to the data centers.

•Appointed by the Burkina Faso Governmentto assist in assessing the current mining projects.

•Assisting Baker McKenzie in advising BNDE and Standard Chartered Bank in a Euro 10 million Solar project through a masterMurabaha agreement for the benefit of the Republic of Senegal.

•Provided assistance to FERA a public state entity in Euro 774 million for a program covering more than 70 roads; 2700 kms of roads across Senegal.

•We assisted Standard Chartered Bank in connection with a Murabaha financing structure of Euro 95 million to finance the Banque Nationale pour le Developpement Economique BNDE which was guaranteed by the Republic of Senegal for the installation and maintenance of 50000 solar streetlights across the regions of Senegal.

Banking & Finance/Islamic Finance:

With significant commercial experience of the WAEMU and CEMAC banking legislation, GENI & KEBE advises on finance transactions across the 17 OHADA states, including cross-border investments.

• Advising the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as local counsel on a Euro 67 million loan agreement to multinational hospitality company in the framework of the acquisition of hospitalityfacilities in Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire and refinancing of existing loans
• Advising, in collaboration with DLA PIPER CASABLANCA, IFC on a financing agreement signed with a Moroccan entity to fund a plan to expand medicalschools in Senegal and sub-SaharanAfrica.
• Advising IFC , on granting a loan to Kasada for the purpose of refinancing existing loans and renovating/upgrading its hotel assets (reviewing the finance documents, drafting severalsecurities, legal opinions...)
• Acting as Senegal Local Counsel for the IFC on Euro 90 million loan agreement to WAVE , a mobile money firm in the framework of to further expand digital economy solutions in West Africa (reviewing the finance documents, drafting severalsecurities, legal opinions...)
• Advising FMO/BIO in the establishment of security to guarantee the loan.
• Advising the China Export-Import Bank (CEXIM Bank) on a RMB 1,316,000,000 Governmentconcessional Loan Agreement for the Republic of Chad .
• Advising China Export-Import Bank on loans to the Senegalese Government for the USD 400 million AIBD-MBOUR-THIES Expressway Project and the USD 34 million project to improve firefighting equipment.
• Advising the AfricanDevelopment Bank (AFDB) on the financing of a thermal power plant in Malicounda, Senegal

Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions:

GENI & KEBE advises on M&A transactions, incorporation of branches or subsidiaries, and acquisition of domestic companies and assets by foreign-owned companies.

• We advised Baker McKenzie in a solar project to be financed for the Senegal Government via BNDE ,
• We advised ATLAS in their reorganization concerning the appointment of the Directors and the name change in Senegal.
• We advised Oxfam America in the restructuring of a new ONG (Oxfam Senegal) involving the transfer of assets and accreditation from Oxfam Novib to Oxfam Senegal.
• Advised Standard Chartered Bank financing BNDE for an ANER project for the supply, installation, servicing and maintenance of 50000 solar streetlights across the regions of Senegal.
• We assisted and advised ITA Airways in the establishment and opening of a branch in Senegal.
• We assisted Palladium Group Global LLC , a USA based company in the establishment and registration process in Senegal, Mauritania, Niger, Togo and Cote d’Ivoire.
• We advised Leonardo an Italian company in issuing a Legal Opinion by completing a Commercial Advisors and Sales Promoters questionnaires pursuant to Mauritania and Togo Laws
• We have assisted the Development Bank of Southern Africa Limited for an Euro 70 million term loan to build 45 Open Digital Spaces in Senegal on behalf of the Ministry of higher education
• We advised CITRICO on the acquisition of an agricultural company which cultivates over 150 hectares in Senegal
• We advised VA INTERTRADING AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT “VAIT in a mortgage process valued at €4 million.
• We assisted Fonds d’Entretien Routier Autonome FERA in their negotiation for a financing of €774 million covering the constructions of 70 roads, 2,700km in Senegal.
• We have assisted the Government of Chad as part of the project relating to the setting up of a national electricity transmission company (SONATREN

Dispute Resolution:

GENI & KEBE advocates have experience in all courts in Senegal and in the OHADA region. They also represent clients in alternative forms of dispute resolution (such as mediation and arbitration), including before the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

• Dangote – Successful appeal before the Senegalese Supreme Court on investment matters.
• Successfully represented BBC in a dismissal case before the Labour Court of Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
• Successfullyrepresented Oracle in a dismissal case before the Labour Court of Dakar, Senegal
• Plan International – successful defence of a labour claim before the Court of Appeal of Kankan, Guinea
• SANOFI - Successful defence before the District Commercial Court of Abidjan in Ivory Coast
• ICSID - Successful defence on an Investor-State arbitration before the ICSID in Senegal

Employment & Labour:

GENI & KEBE advises employers and employees on contracts, wages, dismissals, cross-border employment, social security, redundancies, corporate restructuring, human resources issues, in relation to mergers, income tax, and negotiations with trade unions and staff representatives.

• Emirates Airlines – Senegalese employees’ rights
• Louis Berger – Employment contract terminations in Cameroon
• Nokia - for the closure of offices in Mali and Niger
• BBC - On a Labour claim before the District Labour Court in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
• Oracle – On employment obligation in Burkina Faso and Gabon
• We assisted the Tony Blair Institute on local processes .
• We advised Mastercard Foundation on immigration and employment matters in Senegal .
• On Probono, we completed a Research Project for UNHCR on Travel Documents for Persons in Need of Protection such as asylum seekers, refugees, and/or stateless persons.
• We successfully represented ETG shipowner group the largest federation of fishermen’s unions in Senegal about their working conditions on European fishing vessels.
• We assisted Microsoft in a high-stakes social dispute against a former temporary worker who was placed at the company’s disposal by a temporary employment agency for over 11 years.
• We advised and assisted The BBC over a claim before Senegalese labour Court.
• We have advised and assisted the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in establishing its presence in Senegal.
• We successfully assisted Eurocham Senegal, the Chamber of European Investors representing European Business organisations on employment and contractual matters.

Natural Resources:

GENI & KEBE has advised Cairn Energy, on Senegal’s first offshore oil discovery, as well as on the country’s largest ever electricity project. GENI & KEBE also represents renewable energy operators and energy multinationals in relation to regulatory compliance, private-public partnerships and environmental approvals.

• Advised Cairn Energy, in collaboration with its joint venture partners FAR, Conoco Philips and, later, Woodside, on the first offshore oil discovery in Senegal.
• Represented Kosmos Energy on legal and regulatory issues in Senegal.
• Advised Woodside Petroleum on Senegalese labour law requirements.
• Advised Colombian company Ecopetrol on the legal environment of the hydrocarbon sector.
• Advised SINOPEC on legal and regulatory issues related to the oil and gas sector in Mauritania.
• Represented Engen Petroleum in connection with the sale of a subsidiary in Guinea-Bissau.
• Advised the Dutch cooperation agency FMO on the financing of a solar energy storage project in the Walo region of Senegal.
• Advising the African Development Bank on the financing of a thermal power plant in Malicounda, Senegal.
• Advising the Dutch cooperation agency FMO on the financing of a photovoltaic power plant in the municipality of Bokhol, in northern Senegal.
• Representation of the Indian conglomerate Jindal Power in the largest energy agreement ever concluded in Senegal.
• Representation of American Capital, the lenders for a wind farm project in Taiba Ndiaye, Senegal.
• Advising Caterpillar on an PPP project with the Government of Senegal.
• Endeavour Mining - Acquisition of Teranga Gold

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):

With growing interest in forming PPPs to accelerate development. GENI & KEBE advises on the contractual and regulatory requirements in PPP projects and provides training on understanding the legal environment for PPP investments.

• Advising Mitrelli on a PPP Project project with the Government of Senegal
• Advising Bechtel on a PPP Project relating to a Highway project in Senegal
• Advising EXIMBANK China on the financing of a PPP project in Senegal
• Advising the Senegal State on the renegotiation of the PPP concession
• Advising Jindal Power on a PPP electricity project – the largest ever electricity project in Senegal.
• Advising Fraport on the PPP airport management contract for the new airport for Dakar.
• Acting for American Capital , in a PPP with the Senegalese State electricity company.
• Representing Caterpillar Motorem GMBH on its Engineering, Procurement , and Construction Contract in a PPP with the Senegalese State electricitycompany.
• Advising APM Terminals in their negotiations and agreements with the government to operate a harbor in Senegal

Fintech:

• Advising Viasat on licensing and regulatory queries providing broadband internet connectivity to individuals via satellite.
• Advised Ridetech International B.V (Yango) on the implementation of a new electronic payment, in Ivory Coast.
• Advised Rid e Technology Global FZ-LLC (Yango) on the structuring, the regulatory compliance of Yango Pay.
• Advised Mitsubishi Corporation in connection with the personal data breach
• Advised Eleving Group in connection with a legal and tax audit in Côte d'Ivoire.
• Advised Pulse on processing of personnal data and transfer data outside the ECOWAS zone from the ARTCI.
• Advised Standard Chartered Bank in connection with the breach of personal data and data sovereignty in Côte d'Ivoire and Cameroon,
• Advised Amazon in connection with the implementation of the Amazon Explore project in Côte d'Ivoire and the Amazon Connect project in Benin and Togo
• Advising FMC Corporation in connection with the implementation of the Arc TM Farm Intelligence application in Burkina Faso, in particular on issues of regulatory compliance, revision of the general terms and conditions of use, assistance in obtaining a licence to process personal data, and the transfer of data outside the ECOWAS zone to the CIL.
• Advising Act Group on the revision of the conditions for the transfer of personal data in Côte d'Ivoire (transfers to data controllers).
• Advising Leaf Global Fintech on regulatory compliance in terms of registration for the operation of a digital/electronic wallet system, as well as on the licences required to operate through a local partner

Real Estate & Construction:

• Advising Club Med on a sale and lease back of a hotel unit in Cap Skirring, Senegal
• Advising Hilton on a franchise agreement of a hotel unit in Pointe Noire, Congo
• Advising Hyatt Internationa l on a due diligence in relation to a hotel management and related agreements with the owner, in Dakar, Senegal
• Advising Accor , on the project of renovation and extension of a Pullman hotel in Dakar, Senegal
• Advising Jumbo Group on a joint venture to develop 80 luxury villas in La Somone, Senegal
• Advising Beliel Group owner, in negotiations with Movenpick to enter into hotel management of a hotel unit in Dakar, Senegal
• Advising Slovene SID Bank , lender, on a long-term credit facility in relation to the construction of a hotel unit in Dakar, Senegal
• Advised Orascom on a Responsible housing project in Senegal
• Advised Savini Group on aUSD 90 million housing project in Gabon

Tax:

GENI & KEBE advises on regulatory compliance, assists companies to maximise their tax position and represents clients in contentious matters with the tax authorities

• Authoring and updating Bloomberg’s Tax Country Guides and VAT Navigator
• Advised SUMMA and provided general assistance throughout the procedure with customs on their Tax matter.
• Currently advising AG&P LNG Carrier through custom procedure relating to tax matters.
• Providing Tax and Regulatory Advice in
• Ivory Coast & Senegal - Completion of Questionnaires for Tata Africa Holdings Pty Ltd
• Advising AXA Climate / Africa on taxes matters
• Due diligence on tax Registration in the Ivory Coast for GrainPro
• Advising Mitrelli on tax issues relating to their contracts with the Governments of the Ivory Coast & Senegal.
• Advising General Electric on Tax and Regulatory issues in the Ivory Coast
• Advising Woodside, Cairn Energy and FAR Limited on tax issues related to oil production in Senegal.
• Advising British Airways in relation to Senegalese tax issues

Telecommunications, Media & Technology:

GENI & KEBE provides advice on a broad range of telecommunications regulation, intellectual property and technology law issues

• Microsoft Corporation – Roll out of Windows Live Service across several jurisdictions in Sub Saharan Africa
• West African Economic and Monetary Union – Survey on the legal aspects of the TMT sector in six West African countries with the aim to harmonise legislation
• Sky Vision Global Networks – Telecommunications acquisitions in Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Niger
• We assisted Standard Chartered Bank in a project initiated by the State of Senegal
• We assisted Fonds d’Entretien Routier Autonome (FERA) in the construction of 70 roads representing 2700 kms.
• We have assisted the Government of Chad (SONATREN)
• We assisted the Development Bank of Southern Africa Limited regarding the building 45 Open Digital Spaces in Senegal on behalf of the Ministry of higher education.
• Implementing the FIDIC model for the construction contract of German Goethe Institute headquarters in Senegal
• Advising SF Capital for the construction and management of Hospitals in Senegal
• Advising Bechtel for the construction of the Dakar – Saint Louis toll road
• Advising Brazilian company Construtora Queiroz Galvao on its project to construct a second bridge in Ziguinchor, Senegal.
• Acting for Italian companies Savini Group and Compania Generale Servizi in relation to their USD 90 million project to build 570 housing units in Gabon.
• Advising Orascom, a company based in Dubai on an integrated housing project
• Advising the Spanish Gipuzka Chamber of Commerce on legal and tax issues in relation
• Advising Caterpillar on the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contract in relation to a Public-Private-Partnership to build a 130 MW power plant in Senegal.
• Representing Indian conglomerate Jindal Power