Yves Constant Amani

Practice Areas

Corporate and Commercial Law

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

Energy, Mining, and Infrastructure Projects

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Commercial Contracts

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

Labour Law

Real Estate

Corporate Immigration

FinTech and Blockchain

Private Equity and Venture Capital

Project Finance

Banking and FinTech

OHADA Law

Legal Secretary Services

LegalTech and Innovation

Strategic Consulting and Economic Intelligence

Due Diligence

Training and Development

Technical Assistance for Lawyers

Expert in these Jurisdictions

Guinea

Languages Spoken

French (excellent)

English (professional)

Career

Yves Constant Amani is the Managing Partner of YAC & Partners, a leading legal and business advisory firm based in Guinea. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in international business law, investment law, corporate governance, and OHADA regulations.

At YAC & Partners, Yves spearheads initiatives in corporate governance, compliance, and investment structuring, driving sustainable business growth in Guinea and across Africa. He has cultivated extensive expertise in infrastructure finance, project development, and cross-border M&A transactions.

Before founding YAC & Partners, Yves served as a Partner and Head of the Advisory Department at BAO&Fils for ten years. During this time, he played a key role in earning the firm recognition in the Chambers Global Guide, focusing on innovative solutions in corporate law, public-private partnerships, and commercial contracts.

Earlier in his career, Yves gained valuable experience as a Senior Consultant and Associate at AnyRay & Partners, where he oversaw immigration compliance, company incorporation, and legal representation for multinational clients.

Yves holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Business Law from the University of Cumbria and an MBA in Corporate Finance from EDC Paris Business School. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Law, Accounting, and Business Strategy at the University of Gloucestershire.

Professional Memberships

- Member, International Bar Association (IBA)

- Member, Association of Business Lawyers for OHADA

- Member, African Legal Support Facility Network

Publications

Yves Constant Amani has authored several notable contributions in prestigious legal publications, showcasing his expertise in project finance, corporate immigration, and business law in Guinea. His recent works include:

Project Finance 2024 | Guinea: Trends and Developments

Published in October 2024, this article explores the evolving landscape of project finance in Guinea, highlighting key trends, regulatory frameworks, and opportunities for investment in the region.

Corporate Immigration 2024 | Guinea: Trends and Developments

Published in June 2024, this article provides an in-depth analysis of corporate immigration policies and their impact on businesses operating in Guinea, offering practical guidance for navigating the complexities of compliance and employee mobility.

Corporate Immigration 2024 | Guinea: Law and Practice

Also published in June 2024, this contribution focuses on the legal and regulatory aspects of corporate immigration in Guinea, outlining best practices for companies and investors to align with local requirements.

Personal

Yves Constant Amani is deeply committed to promoting legal innovation and capacity-building in Guinea and across Africa. Beyond his professional endeavors, he actively contributes to the development of young legal practitioners through tailored training programs and mentorship.

A recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for humanitarian service, Yves combines his legal expertise with a dedication to community impact. He is passionate about advancing Guinea's legal and business environment through strategic consulting and thought leadership.

Yves enjoys exploring advancements in LegalTech, fintech, and blockchain, aligning them with practical applications in business and law.

Experience

China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation

As part of the financing and implementation of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project between AMARIA Hydraulic & Electrical Development Corporation SAU (the “Project Company”) and the Republic of Guinea for the construction and operation of a 450MW hydropower project in Guinea, Yves is advising China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation alongside Sunshine Law Firm (the “Chinese Counsel”).

My assistance includes:

Providing guidance on Guinean laws and regulations applicable to the project.

Advising on the competency and authorization of the parties involved to enter into the Project Agreements.

Assessing whether each of the Project Agreements aligns with market and industry standards.

Assessing the enforceability of foreign arbitration awards rendered under the dispute resolution mechanisms stipulated in the Project Agreements in Guinea.

Determining whether any default by Guinean parties under the Project Agreements could be interpreted as a default by the Guinean Government.

Advising on the compliance of the investment with relevant Guinean laws, regulations, and requirements.

Confirming whether the Project Company has obtained all necessary licenses and permits to invest, construct, and operate the project. If not, analyzing the implications and mechanisms required, including identifying any relevant government authorities involved.

Confirming whether the Project Company has secured all land rights necessary for the construction and operation of the project.

Africa Finance Corporation – Bon Ami 2 Project

In connection with the financing by Africa Finance Corporation for the construction and operation of a bauxite mine developed by Dynamic Mining SAS in Guinea, Yves assisted alongside Norton Rose Fulbright LLP (London) in representing the lender to successfully complete the transaction.

My assistance included:

Reviewing all corporate documents and Project Documents and drafting a comprehensive due diligence report on the Project.

Supporting the lenders in drafting the Financing Documents, ensuring compliance with all aspects of local law.

Drafting a legal opinion on the validity and enforceability of the Financing Documents under Guinean law.

Assisting the lenders in the successful closing of the transaction.

Huaneng Hydrolancang International Energy Co., Ltd

As part of the acquisition of a controlling stake in a Hong Kong Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Shenyang Transformer Group Hydropower Investment Company Limited (the "Target"), from TBEA Shenyang Transformer Group Co., Ltd (the "Seller"), which currently owns the Amaria Hydropower Project (300MW) in the Republic of Guinea (the "Transaction"), Yves advised the Purchaser alongside Allen & Overy LLP Beijing.

My assistance includes:

Conducting legal due diligence on the Guinea-incorporated project company, preparing a red-flag report covering key aspects such as corporate matters, project structure, financing, permits/licenses, land rights, and other customary considerations for this type of transaction.

Providing local law input on the transaction documents, including the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) and Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA).

Offering local law advice and assistance with any regulatory filings required in Guinea.

Providing local support for signing and closing, including drafting signing/closing memoranda, establishing timelines, and ensuring compliance with all formalities.

Addressing additional workstreams necessary to ensure the successful completion of the Transaction.

DFC | Diaouné Agro-Industrie SARL Project in Guinea

Yves assisted the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) as local counsel in the financing of Diaouné Agro-Industrie (DAI), a well-established cashew processing company in Guinea. The financing supports the construction of a second processing plant in Boké, Guinea's largest cashew production region, located approximately 170 miles from the port of Conakry. DAI exports its production to Vietnam and Turkey via sea freight.

Yves’ contributions included:

Conducting a legal due diligence review of the local law aspects of the project.

Reviewing project documents and providing legal support under Guinean law.

Assisting the lenders with negotiations and drafting financing documents addressing all local law considerations.

Preparing a legal opinion on the validity and enforceability of the financing documents under Guinean law.

Supporting the preparation and completion of local law security documents.

Education

Awards