LAWYER PROFILE

Simon Ratledge

Global 2026

ASAFO & CO.

Ranked in 2 practice areas

Projects & Energy: International

France

8 years ranked

Projects & Energy

Africa-wide

15 years ranked

Projects & Energy: International

France

8 years ranked

About

Provided by ASAFO & CO.

Global

Practice Areas

Simon Ratledge, co-founder of ASAFO & CO., is dual-qualified at the Paris Bar and as a Solicitor (England & Wales). His practice focuses on major power, energy/natural resources and infrastructure projects and financings across the African continent, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy projects (solar, wind, biomass, geothermal), thermal projects (fuel oil, gas and coal) and hydro-power projects.

With 25 years of experience, Simon has established himself as a trusted expert in project finance. He provides invaluable guidance to a diverse range of clients, including major European, African, Asian, and international development banks, commercial lenders, and sponsor groups. Simon's extensive knowledge and expertise make him a key figure in facilitating successful project finance strategies in some of Africa’s most dynamic and challenging markets.

Career

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Energy & Infrastructure Group | Partner (2016 – 2019)

Simmons & Simmons LLP

Energy & Infrastructure Group | Partner (2012 – 2016)

Linklaters LLP

Energy & Infrastructure Group | Trainee Solicitor, Associate, Managing Associate, Partner (1994 – 2012)

Professional Memberships

Law Society (England & Wales)

Paris Bar

Work Highlights

• Advising the developers to a major urban transport system project in Central Africa.

• Advising AfDB, BADEA, BOAD and OPEC Fund with respect to the financing of a 120 MW dual fuel Power Plant in Senegal (Malicounda Project).

• Advising AfDB and EAIF with respect to the Essor solar-based mini-grid program in DRC.

• Advising Facility for Energy Inclusion’s Off-Grid Energy Access Fund (OGEF) in relation with a loan to BBOXX DRC to finance its solar home systems business in DRC.

• Advising Globeleq and IPS West Africa on the 250MW “Phase IV” expansion of the Azito gas fired IPP in Côte d’Ivoire.

• Advising EDF on the Biovéa 46MW biomass power Concession located in Côte d’Ivoire.

Education

College of Law, London

Legal Practice Course (LPC)

1994

King’s College, University of London

BA (Combined Honours)

1992

Awards

Top 50 most influential lawyers for Africa

Jeune Afrique

2019

Lawyer of the Year

Best Lawyers for Energy & Infrastructure work in Paris

2019

Languages Spoken

English, French, German

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

Projects & Energy: International - France

Band 2

Individual Editorial

Simon Ratledge is widely recognised for his expertise in advising on projects across Africa. He regularly assists energy developers, lenders and corporate entities with the development and financing of renewable energy projects and oil and gas infrastructure. He is dual-qualified in France and England.

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Projects & Energy - Africa-wide

Band 3

Individual Editorial

Paris-based Simon Ratledge is well regarded for his broad practice and his capacity to handle both finance and development mandates relating to power and infrastructure projects across Africa. He is often engaged by international development banks as well as developers and commercial lenders.

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Projects & Energy: International - France

Foreign expert in Africa-wide

Individual Editorial

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Simon Ratledge ensures a nice and efficient process when dealing with cases.
Projects & Energy: InternationalChambers Global Guide
Simon is not only a technically skilled lawyer but also has in-depth knowledge of the sector and provides the added value to matters that the clients are looking for.
Projects & Energy: InternationalChambers Global Guide