Bowmans Zambia has a strong banking and corporate practice. The firm has a strong client base, working with large banks as well as government agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia. The firm’s strong presence across Africa allows for the Zambian office to work on many cross-border deals. Managing partner Mabvuto Sakala is a specialist in employment-related litigation and alternate dispute resolution, while Bwalya Chilufya-Musonda is an expert in financial and corporate law.
Leading firms in Zambia
Bowmans Zambia
Practice head(s):
Mabvuto Sakala; Bwalya Chilufya-Musonda
Other key lawyers:
Joshua Mwamulima; John Kawana
Testimonials
‘The team is very agile and work very well in high pressure circumstances, making them a great choice for client’s with fast-paced business needs.’
‘Always responds and available when needed. Knowledgeable in legal framework.’
‘The partners are easily accessible and available to give both brief and detailed advice.’
‘Bwalya Chilufya is a seasoned professional and is highly client focused. Together with Joshua Mwamulimwa, they work with a high sense of what the client needs or might need in the future. ’
‘Mabvuto Sakala and John Kawana are able to intelligently decipher key issues and find solutions around them. They are highly dependable for even urgent legal opinions owing to their vast knowledge base.’
‘I find Bwalya Chilufya not only competent but socially adept. I get the sense that they genuinely care about my business. ’
Key clients
First Quantum Minerals Ltd (FQML)
Absa Bank Zambia Plc (Absa)
Prudential Life Assurance Zambia Limited
The Coca-Cola Company
Mopani Copper Mines
National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA)
Public Service Pension Fund Board (PSPF)
YesCash Zambia Limited t/a Express Credit
Frontclear Management B.V
Agricultural Leasing Company Zambia Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Standard Bank and FirstRand Bank on a ZAR5.95 billion refinancing facility to The Foschini Retail Group Proprietary Limited (TFG), a South African JSE-listed retail clothing group with presence across 24 countries.
- Acting for Absa Bank Zambia Plc, formerly Barclays Bank Zambia PLC, as respondent in an employment class action claim involving pensions and employment benefits with an anticipated settlement value of ZMW49m.
- Advised Mr Price Group Limited in relation to the acquisition of control of Blue Falcon 188 Trading (Proprietary) Limited, which owns the Studio 88 group of businesses, from RMB Ventures Six (Proprietary) Limited and the current management of the Studio 88 Group, for ZAR 3.6 billion.
Chibesakunda & Co
Chibesakunda & Co is a well-recognised firm, which is part of DLA Piper's broader network. The firm has experience in joint ventures, capital financing, and project development. Louise Chilepa heads the banking and finance practice, while Chishimba Kachasa is a notable name for commercial work. Chilombo Malama-Chijikwa heads the conveyancing and real estate practice, while also being experienced in the mining sector. Rodwyn Peterson heads the litigation practice and holds great experience in complex contractual disputes.
Practice head(s):
Louis Chilepa; Chilombo Malama Chijikwa; Chishimba Kachasa; Rodwyn Peterson
Other key lawyers:
Mwelwa Chibesakunda; Chikosola Chuula; Mutale Kasonde; Karen Mutale-Mumbi; Eustace Ngoma;
Testimonials
‘The firm offers a professional service in a timely and cost conscious manner. They are used to working under and understanding high pressure commercial circumstances. ’
‘Mutale Kasonde, Eustace Ngoma, Mwelwa Chibesakunda, are all seasoned professional advisers with good commercial nous.’
‘We are very happy with the range of services they provide. They are the go-to company as far we are concerned.’
Key clients
Citibank Zambia
Eastern & Southern Africa Trade Development Bank
Horizon Group of Companies
Western Power Company Limited
Lubambe Mines Limited
Alistair Logistics Zambia Limited
Kagem Mining Limited
Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co Limited
Sanlam Life Insurance Zambia Limited
Sygenta Seeds B.V.
Work highlights
- Advising Lubambe Copper Mines in a $150m transaction with Novum Metals, a subsidiary of Kobold metals, wherein the parties entered into a Joint venture Agreement and created Mingomba Mining Limited
- Provided advice for the Ernst & Young LLP Ilute Solar Project Solar PV generation facility in Sesheke, Western Province.
- Acted as advisor to Trafigura Trading on the $1 billion financing mining project of KoBold Metals.
Corpus Legal Practitioners
Corpus Legal Practitioners has a notable track record in the power, finance, manufacturing, and agribusiness industries. Charles Mkokweza is the senior partner, and works regularly on mining and energy matters. Lupiya Simusokwe heads the banking and M&A practices - he is particularly experienced in advising international clients on transactions. Meanwhile, Jacqueline Jhala leads the corporate advisory practice. Besides corporate matters, Jhala also work on matters concerning immigration and citizenship. Sydney Chisenga, managing partner, leads the despite resolution and public policy practice. Finally, Namakuzu Shandavu is the head of the energy, resources, and infrastructure department, and regularly advises both local and international clients on mining projects.
Practice head(s):
Charles Mkokweza; Sydney Chisenga; Jacqueline Cornhill Jhala; Lupiya Simusokwe; Namakuzu Shandavu
Testimonials
‘The Corpus team has a wealth and depth of industry knowledge that clients are fortunate to have access to through them. They have impressive record keeping capabilities and seem to invest well in continued training of their staff. ’
‘Lupiya Simusokwe is a seasoned corporate finance lawyer and has a very strong can-do attitude, which carries forward with his team. Namakuzu Shandavu has great turnaround time on her projects and her team is very efficient and responsive. ’
‘Lupiya Simusokwe provides excellent service, help and advice. ’
Key clients
British International Investments Plc.
Lubambe Copper Mine Limited.
Glencore International AG.
Absa Bank Zambia Plc.
BP Carbon Trading Limited.
A.P. Møller Capital P/S
Bimeda Holdings Limited
Vedanta Resources Holdings Limited
Teal Minerals Barbados Incorporated
Mopani Copper Mines Plc
Lumwana Mining Co Ltd
Chibuluma Mines Plc
Chambishi Metals
NFC Africa Mining
Kansanshi Mining Plc
Lubambe Copper Mines Ltd
Holcim Group Services
Barrick Gold Corporation
Inter Africa Exports (Pty) Limited
Rio Tinto
Keda Zambia Ceramics
Rabobank
Livescore Group of Companies
Pick N Pay Zambia Limited
Zutari Africa Limited
Africa GreenCo Group
Fortescue Metals Group Limited
Decoufle S.A.R.L.
First Wave Group
Dickinson Group of Companies
Redpath Zambia Limited
Dong-A ST
Starlink (Space X)
Work highlights
- Advised British International Investment Plc on a $50m unsecured loan provided to one of Zambia’s leading banks in a move designed to boost climate finance and entrepreneurship in the country.
- Advised A.P. Møller Capital P/S, acting in its capacity as a manager of the Africa Infrastructure Fund I K/S, looking to acquire 100% of the shares in Vector Logistics Proprietary Limited, a company based in South Africa and operating in the cold storage distribution sector.
- Advising and representing Vedanta Resources Limited on whether the winding up proceedings pertaining to Konkola Copper Mines PLC (KCM) commenced by ZCCM Investment Holding PLC (ZCCM IH) can be stayed and the parties referred to arbitration pursuant to Shareholder Agreement executed by the parties.
Mulenga Mundashi Legal Practitioners
Mulenga Mundashi Legal Practitioners is a highly-regarded corporate and commercial law firm in Zambia. The firm specializes in conducting cross-border commercial transactions and complex disputes. The firm offers strong mining services, recently acting as one of the local advisors for Kobold Metals for several matters, including acting as borrower counsel for a financing transaction involving Lubambe Copper Mines. Michael Mundashi heads the firm as managing partner. Meanwhile, Chipili Salati, the head of commercial transactions and corporate advisory, advises on a range of cross-border transactions, including for Kobold Metals. David Chakoleka heads the dispute resolution practice, while Mutila Mulenga heads the real estate practice. Mulenga Chiteba runs the tax and compliance practice.
Practice head(s):
Michael Mundashi; Mutila Mulenga; Mulenga Chiteba; David Chakoleka; Chipili Salati
Testimonials
‘MMLP have adapted their practice to fit seamlessly into the client’s approach.’
‘The blend of youth and experience at MMLP makes it a very well-placed firm in terms of servicing our business needs.’
‘Mulenga Chiteba is no doubt the standout performer for us in the mining sector. His wide reach of knowledge, from tax to litigation to corporate commercial, allows clients to have one focal point who still utilises the diverse team to provide concrete work.’
Michael Mundashi manages to ensure that clientsbenefit from his experience and contacts particularly when there are complex issues that need to be digested and simplified for better results.’
Key clients
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
First Quantum Minerals
Kobold Metals
ALCF I Investment II Proprietary Limited
African Parks
Dalmata SPA Company and Lactalis Zambia
Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc and Standard Chartered Zambia Securities Nominees Limited
Enel Green Power S.p.A
Lubambe Copper Mines Limited
Finsbury Investment Limited
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
Zambia (I.P) Border Crossing Company Limited
Civil Aviation Authority
Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited
Gold Vale Trading and Logistics (Pty) Ltd and Gold Mountains HK International Mining co. Ltd
Work highlights
- Acted as local counsel for the syndicate of lenders, including The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited as the Lender and Security Agent.
- Served as counsel for First Quantum Minerals Limited (“FQM”) and Kansanshi Mining Plc (“KMP”) in the ZCCM-IH Royalty Transaction.
- Represented Lubambe Copper Mines Limited in their application to set aside an Arbitral Award, applying for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal, and seeking a stay of execution of the High Court Judgment.
Abigail & Chama Advocates
Abigail & Chama Advocates advises on banking and finance, property and M&A work. The firm has a solid client base of Zambian banks, notably the Zambian National Commercial Bank. Gilbert Chama leads the firm with Abigail Chimuka. Chama, a transactional lawyer, has recently been working in pensions law, while also advising on a mining operation for licensing and governing requirements. Chimuka, a banking and finance expert, dedicates her time to financial and corporate matters.
Practice head(s):
Gilbert Chama; Abigail Chimuka
Testimonials
‘Very flexible team that assists with client queries. ’
‘Gilbert Chama is very technical and has good communication skills.’
‘What strikes me about the firm is their willingness to accommodate urgent and complicated requests, their in-depth up-to-date commercial knowledge, and their strong relationship with regulators. ’
Key clients
Zambia National Commercial Bank PLC
African Life Financial Services Zambia Limited
Atlas Mara Zambia
Indo Zambia Bank
Afriwise N.V
Java Foods Limited
Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited
Silverlands Ranching Limited
AgDevCo Limited
Westate Resources Limited and Westate Zambia Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Zambia National Commercial Bank Plc as borrower in relation to a $50m financing facility from British International Investments.
- Advised Zambia National Commercial Bank Plc in undertaking an internal security audit to manage its risk and exposure.
- Advised Java Foods Limited, a leading instant noodles manufacturer in Zambia, in streamlining and raising capital by converting historically issued convertible notes and warrants.
MAY AND COMPANY
MAY and Company is a full-service firm active in a wide range of areas, including M&A, and banking and finance, and real estate. In 2023, the following four partners joined the firms from Musa Dudhia & Company – Harriet Mdala, Yosa Yosa, Mulopa Ndalameta, and Chanda Musonda-Chiluba. Mdala is an expert in M&A and corporate governance, in addition, Yosa and Ndalameta are both known for their disputes work. Currently, Mdala, Yosa, and Musonda-Chiluba head the practice together.
Practice head(s):
Mulopa Ndalameta; Harriet Mdala; Yosa Yosa
Testimonials
‘MAY and Company have a very experienced partners and associates. The staff are really friendly and very knowledgeable. They are also very responsive.’
‘The Team is diverse and very experienced in different areas of the law. They are usually a call, email or message away. ’
‘Yosa Yosa is a trusted legal advisor. He is versed in different areas of the law and is able to provide litigation services in relation to employment litigation and commercial dispute resolution generally.’
‘Mulopa Ndalameta is one of their stand-out partners and the contact for my organization. I value his insight, his experience and ability to articulate complex legal principles into an easily understandable format’.
Key clients
Multichoice Zambia Limited
Vivo Energy Zambia Limited
BL & D Plant Hire and Sales Limited
Africa Opportunity Fund
The Nature Conservancy
Inchcape Kenya Limited
Fraser Alexander Zambia Limited
Appasamy Associates
Freddy Hirsch Group Limited
BDO Zambia Limited
White Orchid Investment Limited
Bolabet Sports Betting Zambia
Kafue Fisheries Limited
Pick N Pay Zambia Limited
Makuku Farms Limited
Engineering Institute of Zambia
Cardinal Distributors Limited
Continental Investment Limited Trading as Corporate IT Solutions
Work highlights
- Advising Sibanye Stillwater Limited on a $600m to $800m transaction involving the acquisition of shares in Mopani Copper Mines, one of Zambia’s copper mines.
- Advising Cardinal Distributors Limited in a High Court action in a dispute challenging the sale of property by a financial institution to Cardinal Distributors Limited worth approximately $1m.
- Advising Ng’andu Consulting Limited in a High Court action commenced by way of judicial review in which Ng’andu Consulting Limited is requesting the court to review the decision of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics to not perform its obligations under a settlement agreement pursuant to which the Ministry of Transport and Logistics took the benefit of a debt of approximately $13m.
Moira Mukuka Legal Practitioners
Moira Mukuka Legal Practitioners is active in the areas of capital markets, M&A, and energy. The firm regularly conducts energy work, particularly concerning the development of forest carbon projects. Besides energy work. Sharon Sakuwaha leads the firm with Brenda Mutale Chanda. Sakuwaha is a corporate and capital markets transactions specialist.
Practice head(s):
Sharon Sakuwaha; Brenda Mutale Chanda
Testimonials
‘Moira Mukuka Legal Practitioners was very professional had a really solid team who seemed to work very well together and communicate effectively. ’
‘Brenda Mutale Chanda is an excellent leader and offered invaluable insights during the project while allowing younger associates to shine. Mumbi communicated effectively and has a sharp analytical mind. The MMLP team we worked with really showed thoroughness and professionalism in their delivery of the assignment.’
Key clients
Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc
ZCCM-IH
Zanaco Plc
BlueOrchard Finance
Export Trading Group (ETG)
EcoSecurities
Airtel Zambia
Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank
Trident Royalties Plc
First Capital Bank
Work highlights
- Advised ZCCM-IH in the restructuring of its equity stake in Kansanshi Mine Plc by the conversion of the ordinary dividend rights associated with its equity interest into a life of mine royalty interest.
- Advising Zanaco Plc as arranger and a syndicate of five local banks in relation to a syndicated finance facility for the value of $360m to a leading power company.
- Advising Export Trading Group in relation to the establishment of a carbon project over an approximately 5.5 million cashew tree plantation in Western Province of Zambia, developed under ETG’s African Emerging Farmer Carbon Abatement Programme (AEFCAP).
Musa Dudhia & Company
Musa Dudhia & Company, a member firm of Africa Legal Network, is well-known for providing advice on commercial and corporate transactions. Arshad Dudhia spearheads the firm as managing partner – he specializes in commercial transactions, particularly in the real estate, banking, and mining sectors. Additionally, Farid Patel supports the practice with his experience in litigation, debt recovery, and regulatory matters. In March 2023, Hope Ndao was promoted to partner, Ndao specializes in banking and finance. In 2023, Chanda Musonda-Chiluba, Harriet Mdala, Yosa Yosa, and Mulopa Ndalameta left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Arshad Dudhia; Farid Patel; Hope Ndao
Testimonials
‘Extremely professional and provides sincere legal advice in the best interest of their clients.’
‘The team works very hard to meet expectations and deadlines, they are clear in their advice and have capabilities to assist on complex cross-border merger and acquisitions, business transfers, and all corporate related matters. ’
Key clients
Real Estate Investments Zambia Plc
Standard Chartered Bank
Argonaut Resources NL
Cobham Capital Limited
Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited
ArmSecure Limited
Sakiza Spinning Mills
GRIT Real Estate Income Group Limited
Tertiary Minerals Plc
YMH Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for the Real Estate Investments Zambia Plc who had issued a USD12 005 930.83 corporate bond in 2010, which bond was amended in 2012 and was due for repayment in November 2022.
- Instructed by Clifford Chance LLP acting on behalf of Standard Chartered Bank acting as Intercreditor Agent to provide advice in respect of the Maamba Collieries Limited’s intention to restructure the tariff arrangements under the power purchase agreement with the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited and consequently the financing arrangements under the finance documents.
- Acted as advocates of record in an action in which ArmSecure Limited was claiming an order for the immediate payment of the sum of ZMW8 455 157.80 as fees for the security services provided to Astro Holdings Limited.