Local law firms in Mozambique

Couto, Graça e Associados, lda – member of CMS

With ‘concrete experience in large and complex transactions’, Couto, Graça e Associados, lda – member of CMS is recognised for its proficiency in corporate, banking and finance, and real estate law, as well as in concessions, labour, and dispute resolution matters. Pedro Couto, heading the energy, natural resources, and infrastructure department, is renowned for his expertise in PPPs and large-scale projects in sectors such as infrastructure, oil and gas, mining, and banking. Telmo Ferreira, directing the corporate, tax, and capital markets practice, is a go-to advisor on M&As, IPOs, corporate governance, and concession contracts. Álvaro Pinto Basto, leading the litigation department, specialises in domestic and international arbitration and judicial proceedings. Gisela Graça is also a key contact. The Maputo-based firm joined CMS in November 2022.

Other key lawyers:

Pedro Couto; Telmo Ferreira; Álvaro Pinto Basto; Faizal Jusob; Célia Francisco; Gisela Graça


Testimonials

‘CGA provides very high-quality services and concrete experience in large and complex transactions.’

‘The team are well experienced and always available to help.’

‘CGA is a firm with highly qualified staff and a sense of responsibility. It has a team with knowledge in different areas and is always ready to respond to the needs of its clients.’

Key clients

Azura


Mozal


CFAO Motors Mozambique Lda


Access Bank Mozambique


Sasol South Africa


Millennium Bim


Nedbank Moçambique


Vodacom


Eni


Work highlights


  • Provided legal assistance for a gas-fired power station project involving the generation and sale, including export, of up to 250 MW of electricity.
  • Advised on the sale of a major shareholder’s participatory interests in an energy company operating under a concession agreement.
  • Advised on the development and implementation of a 40MWp solar power plant.

DLA Piper Africa, Mozambique (SAL & Caldeira Advogados, Lda)

DLA Piper Africa, Mozambique (SAL & Caldeira Advogados, Lda) caters to top petroleum and mining firms, foreign investors and international banks, as well as diplomatic missions and NGOs. Managing partner Eduardo Alberto da Costa Calú heads the tax practice, specialising in tax compliance and structuring. José Roque Gonçalves leads the litigation unit, representing clients in criminal, civil, labour, and maritime disputes, while Marla Genoveva Mandlate Chade directs the banking and foreign exchange group. Soraia Calú Issufo, who heads the immigration practice, advises on work permissions and residency for foreign governments, NGOs, and private clients, while Samuel Levy and Kaina Mussagy Arentsen manage the projects, energy, and infrastructure division. Gimina Luís Mahumana Langa, leading the labour practice, advises employers, unions, and individuals, and Gisela Manhiça Sitoe heads the commercial, regulatory, and public institutions areas. José Manuel Caldeira is also a notable contact.

Practice head(s):

Eduardo Alberto da Costa Calú; Gisela Manhiça Sitoe; José Roque Gonçalves; Marla Genoveva Mandlate Chade; Soraia Calú Issufo; Samuel Levy; Kaina Mussagy Arentsen; Gimina Luís Mahumana Langa


Other key lawyers:

José Manuel Caldeira


Testimonials

‘The firm has unique knowledge of the complex regulatory framework surrounding the energy sector and foreign companies operating in it. The lawyers have up-to-date market knowledge.’

‘They provide high-quality, swift responses on urgent substantive matters.’

‘The firm provides a full range of services across all legal sectors, with highly qualified experts, making it the top law firm locally.’

‘The level of attention to detail is notable.’

Key clients

South32 Group Operations Pty. Ltd.


Southern Minerals, Limitada


CYIENT


ARC Power Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted as local counsel for South32 Group Operations Pty Ltd in acquiring additional shares worth US$200 million in Mozambique’s largest smelter company, increasing its majority shareholding.
  • Assisted Southern Minerals with reviewing an investment agreement for a potential $62.5 million investment and provided general advice on the transaction.
  • Advised on a shareholder’s agreement for a Mozambican joint venture mining company based on English law, and assisted in structuring and incorporating the venture related to a $5 million investment.

Avillez, Bacar, Duarte & Centeio - Sociedade de Advogados (ABCC)

Avillez, Bacar, Duarte & Centeio - Sociedade de Advogados (ABCC), lauded as an ‘excellent local firm in Mozambique’, is renowned for its work in the banking and finance, energy, infrastructure, and mining fields. Founding partner Francisco Avillez advises financial institutions and major investment projects, and Oldivanda Bacar, leading the corporate, investment, and energy department, is notably active on mining and natural resources matters. Álvaro Duarte, the head of the banking, finance, and M&A practice, brings expertise in foreign investments, financial funding, and corporate restructuring. Meanwhile, Paulo Centeio manages the litigation, labour, and tax teams.

Practice head(s):

Francisco Avillez; Oldivanda Bacar; Álvaro Duarte; Paulo Centeio


Testimonials

‘The team is always available and goes the extra mile to obtain the information requested, liaising with the authorities and making their input fundamental.’

‘Álvaro Duarte works very hard to accommodate the clients’ requests and is always available.’

‘ABCC is an excellent local firm in Mozambique. They have good lawyers and good local networks.’

Key clients

JBIC/IFC


Millennium Bim


AgDevCo Limited


City Lodge Hotel Group


CTRG


Control Risks


Distell


BP


Textáfrica


World Education International


DHL


Dietsmann


BCI


Banco Terra


Safests


Zoona


Sky Net


Lenmed


Crookes Brothers


Startimes


Companhia do Sena


BT PLC Mozambique


Rank Enterprises


ZTE Corporation


GDA Advogados

As the exclusive member of VdA in Mozambique, GDA Advogados merges its international expertise with in-depth local market knowledge, providing comprehensive services to both international investors and local businesses across diverse sectors. The firm is led by founding partner Guilherme Daniel, who specialises in corporate, energy, natural resources, and infrastructure law, with a particular emphasis on the oil and gas industry. His team, including Lorna GuilandeHelna Vitoldás, and Kenny Laisse, brings expertise in the banking and finance, infrastructure, energy, and TMT sectors.

Practice head(s):

Guilherme Daniel


Other key lawyers:

Lorna Guilande; Helna Vitoldás; Kenny Laisse


Testimonials

‘The team is structured, supportive and responds in a timely and effective manner to client requests.’

‘The friendliness and proficiency that everyone at their level dedicates to answering and resolving questions makes the difference and creates motivation.’

Key clients

Standard Bank of South Africa


Mota- Engil, Engenharia e Construção África, S.A. (Mota-Engil África)


Exor Petroleum


Puma Energy Moçambique, Limitada


Aujan Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Standard Bank of South Africa, as lead arranger and bookrunner, on all Mozambican law matters related to the refinancing and syndication of the debt of Grit Real Estate Income Group Limited, a pan-African real estate company.
  • Advised Mota-Engil África on the public tender for a concession under a public-private partnership regime, encompassing the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of toll motorways in Mozambique.
  • Advised Puma on a transaction involving the carve-out of seven aviation fuel business units from a BP Group entity and the acquisition of BP’s entire share capital in a joint venture Mozambican entity (BP Aviation).

JLA ADVOGADOS

Specialising in projects and infrastructure, JLA ADVOGADOS is particularly active in the energy and finance spaces and frequently handles litigation and debt collection for leading banking sector clients. The firm collaborates closely with the Mozambique desk of Portuguese law firm Abreu Advogados, with managing partner Zara Jamal, who focuses on project finance, real estate, banking, and energy financing, leading the team. Supporting her are Edna Sacate in debt recovery and judicial matters, Absalão Mapanze in litigation and arbitration, and Deivid Sacur in public and labour law.

Practice head(s):

Zara Jamal


Other key lawyers:

Edna Sacate; Absalão Mapanze; Deivid Sacur


Key clients

HCB Mozambique


Limak Cimentos


Open Spiral, Sgps, Sa


Painhas Group


Portucel Mozambique


TOTAL


Work highlights


  • Advised the French Development Agency on a financing operation for Hidroelétrica de Cahora Bassa S.A., the Mozambican company operating the Cahora Bassa Dam hydroelectric power plant, aimed at the “Vital Capex” programme for rehabilitating and modernising the dam’s electricity production system.
  • Advised the senior creditors, including export credit agencies and the Africa Development Bank, on the financing and development of the Area 1 LNG project in Mozambique in the Rovuma Basin.
  • Assisting Portucel Mozambique, which received two land use permissions from the Mozambican state, with establishing forestry plantations for industrial and commercial exploitation.

MDR Advogados

MDR Advogados specialises in key sectors, such as energy, natural resources, banking and finance, and insurance, assisting a diverse array of clients including state-owned corporations, multinational companies, international banks, and governments. Managing partner Tiago Arouca Mendes primarily advises foreign clients on restructuring,  M&A, and financing operations in Mozambique, while founding partner Paula Duarte Rocha brings notable experience in banking, project finance, and transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The firm is an integral member of the Morais Leitão Legal Circle.

Practice head(s):

Tiago Arouca Mendes; Paula Duarte Rocha


Other key lawyers:

Henrique Calvão Martins; Mónica Moti Guerra; Mara Rupia Lopes; Ana Berta Mazuze


Pimenta e Associados

Pimenta e Associados, working in close partnership with Lisbon-based Miranda & Associados, is active in sectors including oil and gas, energy, mining, and banking, primarily advising international investors on their projects and transactions in Mozambique. The firm is led by managing partner Paulo Pimenta, who oversees the tax and corporate practice. Daniela Carvalho heads the banking and finance, energy and projects, and corporate divisions, while António Veloso handles litigation and employment matters.

Practice head(s):

Paulo Pimenta


Other key lawyers:

Daniela Carvalho; António Veloso


TTA – Sociedade de Advogados

TTA – Sociedade de Advogados, a full-service law firm and a member of PLMJ Colab, offers expertise in foreign investment, corporate and commercial, infrastructure, projects, concessions, and licensing mandates. The firm is led by managing partner Tomás Timbane, who specialises in litigation and international arbitration, with an active role in PPPs and the commercial aspects of energy, oil and gas, electricity, and mining matters. Natércia Sitoé brings experience in corporate and commercial issues, especially in relation to exports, international trade, and foreign investment. Amina Abdala focuses on public and private law, particularly public procurement, PPP, land, and regulatory issues, while Alfiado Pascoal is dedicated to civil, criminal, and employment litigation and arbitration.

Practice head(s):

Tomás Timbane


Other key lawyers:

Natércia Sitoé; Amina Abdala; Alfiado Pascoal


Testimonials

‘The team is well prepared to deal with the Mozambican legal framework.’

‘Amina Abdala is an expert in national real estate and corporate law, and Alfiado Pascoal is one of the best attorneys in court.’

‘TTA is a spectacular office. We have nothing to complain about in terms of the speed and quality with which services are provided.’

Key clients

Heineken Moçambique


Siemens Africa


Bolsa de Valores de Moçambique (Maputo Stock Exchange)


CFM – Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (The Ports and Railways Company of Mozambique)


Multichoice Africa Holdings B.V.


BCI – Banco Comercial & de Investimentos


ICVL – International Coal Ventures PVT LTD (Minas Benga)


FUNAE – Fundo de Energia


FNB – First National Bank


BIM – Banco Internacional de Moçambique


CTA – Confederação das Associações Económicas de Moçambique (Confederation of Economic Associations)


GIZ – German International Cooperation


Work highlights


  • Advising Multichoice Africa Holdings on corporate, investment, commercial contracts, employment and labour, regulatory and tax matters.
  • Advising Siemens Africa on several matters, including employment and labour, corporate and commercial, and foreign investment law.
  • Advised Auto Sueco on various legal aspects of its operations in Mozambique, including corporate, employment, commercial contracts, tax, regulatory, foreign investment, and foreign exchange matters.

HPF Advogados - AVM Legal Network Member

The ‘collaborative, knowledgeable and results-oriented’ team at HPF Advogados - AVM Legal Network Member specialises in foreign investment matters, guiding major corporations and multinationals through structuring and implementing projects in the local market. The firm’s expertise spans capital flows, cross-border funding, regulatory compliance, and forex licensing, as well as tax structuring, sector-specific licensing, and corporate establishment. Managed by Hélder Paulo Frechaut, an expert in banking, finance, insurance, and commercial law, the group benefits from Gisela Teresa’s experience in litigation, administrative law, tax, and labour matters.

Practice head(s):

Hélder Paulo Frechaut


Other key lawyers:

Gisela Teresa


Testimonials

‘The team at HPF are very collaborative, knowledgeable and results-oriented.’

‘They are able to work with deadlines and keep to promises.’

‘The team are very professional and knowledgeable in their respective fields.’

‘They are always willing to go the extra mile – even with clients that are not proficient in Portuguese.’

Key clients

ACCESS BANK Mozambique E S.A


Banco LETSHEGO S.A


Banco Nacional de Investimentos SA


MCD – Marulo, Comercio e Distribuição, Lda


Weco Bulk Asia pte Ltd


Eastern Multitrans Logistics Private Ltd.


Cicoti Lda


Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited


JCDECAUX S.A


AECOM S.A


PONTICELLI FRÈS GROUP


Nokia Solutions and Networks Branch Operations Mozambique


LEI & MNSV-Sociedade de Advogados

LEI & MNSV-Sociedade de Advogados covers a range of areas, including litigation, corporate, administrative, financial, and insurance law, catering to both domestic and international clients. Founding partner Lei Yang specialises in commercial, corporate, and investment matters, particularly in the mining sector. He leads the practice with Zaida Sultanegy, who brings expertise in commercial, public administration, and labour litigation to the table. Alberto Nkutumula focuses on cross-border criminal investigations and complex civil and regulatory matters, including criminal antitrust and fraud cases, while Alcides Nobela is experienced in customs, public finance, and tax law.

Practice head(s):

Lei Yang; Zaida Sultanegy


Other key lawyers:

Alberto Nkutumula; Alcides Nobela; Carmen Ustá; Jair Seni


Key clients

China Construction Corporation


Juren Mining


Synohydro Corporation


GPL Sunking Mozambique Lda


China State Construction Engineering-CSCEC


Mutarara Resources


Refrigerantes SPAR, Limitada


FABEROL, SA


Cen Serve Transportes,Lda


Ruijian Housing Construction


Work highlights


  • Advised Mozam Mineração on a public tender, which resulted in being awarded a 1M USD mining concession by the INAMI (National Mineral Institute).
  • Advised China State Construction Engineering (CSCEC) on various internal and external matters for a construction project in Mozambique worth nearly 100M USD, including handling its legal constitution in Mozambique, tax planning structure, employment contracts, and leading negotiations with subcontractors.
  • Advised Ruijian Housing Construction on a credit recovery case.