Clifford Chance LLP primarily handles inbound transactions for a diverse client base, including commercial and development banks, private equity funds, and public institutions, as well as industrial conglomerates, energy and oil and gas companies, and construction firms. Leading the Mozambique practice are Gibbs Johnson, a Dubai-based consultant, and Russell Wells, located in London. Johnson is an expert in energy and infrastructure project finance, particularly in Mozambique’s electricity sector, while Wells spearheads the firm’s global energy and resources sector group, bringing extensive experience in commercial, corporate, and finance matters within the oil and gas and power industries. Delphine Siino Courtin, stationed in Paris, is an expert in renewable energy and infrastructure, and is adept at representing lenders in Mozambican solar projects.
Foreign law firms in Mozambique
Clifford Chance LLP
Practice head(s):
Gibbs Johnson; Russell Wells
Other key lawyers:
Delphine Siino Courtin
Testimonials
‘This is a star energy and infrastructure team.’
‘They work well as a team.’
Key clients
DFC
Agence Française de Développement
EDF
TotalEnergies
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Central Termica de Temane
Azura Power
Work highlights
- Advising AFD – Agence Française de Développement as partial risk guarantor on its first political risk guarantees in respect of a solar project in Mozambique.
- Advising US-DFC in connection with a solar power project in the Niassa province of Mozambique.
- Advised a bidding consortium on the Mphanda Nkuwa hydropower project, a 1,500 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric facility proposed to be built on the Zambezi River.
Miranda & Associados
Miranda & Associados, along with the Miranda Alliance, is renowned for advising global investors on their investment projects and transactions in Mozambique, actively participating in sectors such as oil and gas, energy, mining, and banking. Co-headed by Diogo Xavier Da Cunha and Paulo Pimenta, who also serves as the managing partner of Maputo-based Pimenta e Associados, the group specialises in corporate, energy, and natural resources matters. Nuno Cabeçadas offers expertise in projects, banking, and finance, while Sofia Martins, who is recognised as ‘an incredible talent and a superb advocate’, focuses on litigation and arbitration, significantly enhancing the team’s capabilities in addressing complex legal challenges.
Practice head(s):
Diogo Xavier da Cunha; Paulo Pimenta
Other key lawyers:
Nuno Cabeçadas; Sofia Martins
Testimonials
‘Sofia Martins is a star – her knowledge of the law is superb, and she is a master at cross-examination. She is an incredible talent and a superb advocate.’
‘They are agile, competent, and always focus on finding solutions.’
‘Very agile and responsible.’
Key clients
Total Exploration and Production Moçambique Area 1, Lda (previously named Anadarko Exploration and Production Area 1, Limitada)
Gemrock Company Limited & Gemrock Mozambique Limitada
Total Outre Mer & TotalEnergies Marketing Total Moçambique, SA
Azura Power
Globeleq
Maputo Port Development Company
International Finance Corporation
Patel Engineering
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados, which is adept at managing both inbound and outbound investments into Lusophone Africa, caters to a broad client base that includes public and private corporations, governments, and financial institutions. Renowned for its expertise in project development and finance, capital markets, and a wide range of corporate activities, the team is led by André de Sousa Vieira and Claudia Santos Cruz. De Sousa Vieira, now stationed in the firm’s new Singapore office, brings extensive experience in international project finance, especially in the energy, resources, and infrastructure spaces, representing lenders, sponsors, and governments. Meanwhile, Santos Cruz focuses on aiding clients with international and cross-border investments in Mozambique and other Lusophone African regions.
Practice head(s):
André de Sousa Vieira; Claudia Santos Cruz
Testimonials
‘They are very commercial and provide extremely high-quality advice.’
‘André de Sousa Vieira has an excellent appreciation of the requirements of the international market and combines that expertise with a first-class understanding of Portuguese law. This is particularly useful in jurisdictions such as Angola and Mozambique.’
PLMJ
PLMJ effectively supports domestic and international clients in their Mozambique-based ventures and represents Mozambican clients in investments across other Lusophone jurisdictions. Active in the oil and gas, energy, natural resources and construction sectors, the firm offers a wide range of expertise spanning cross-border M&A, tax, and foreign investment, as well as currency exchange legislation, projects, and arbitration. Leading the Africa team are Gonçalo dos Reis Martins and Inês Pinto da Costa. Martins, who has significant banking and finance sector expertise, advises international and local banks, financial institutions, and asset managers. Pinto da Costa specialises in corporate M&A and has substantial experience in Mozambican infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects. Marta Pedro contributes wide-ranging knowledge of real estate, tourism, and corporate transactions within the country.
Practice head(s):
Gonçalo dos Reis Martins; Inês Pinto da Costa
Other key lawyers:
Marta Pedro; Nuno Morgado Pereira
Key clients
Galp Energia
GIMTL
Bharat Petro Resources Limited
Standard Bank South Africa
Banco Internacional de Moçambique
FNB Moçambique
Banco Société Générale Moçambique
Banco Único
Standard Bank Mozambique
Revolut
African Import-Export Bank
Cummins Mozambique
Multichoice Africa
Nedbank
Work highlights
- Advised Galp Energia on a USD 36 million project finance facility for GIMTL, granted by Banco Internacional de Moçambique, S.A., for constructing and operating a hydrocarbon storage and handling terminal in Matola.
- Advised the concessionaires (Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Oil India Limited) of Area 1 of the Rovuma LNG project on a landmark USD 20 billion restructuring financing.
- Advised Standard Bank Mozambique on various banking matters under Mozambican law, including recently representing the client in providing USD 200 million in term and revolving credit facilities to Vodacom Moçambique, S.A.
VdA
With an ‘exceptional combination of legal expertise and cultural fluency’, VdA’s Mozambique practice specialises in the areas of oil and gas, energy, infrastructure, and banking. Collaborating closely with its local partner firm GDA Advogados, the group provides wide-ranging legal expertise, spanning regulatory, corporate, tax, licensing, and employment issues. Teresa Empis Falcão concentrates on infrastructure and mobility matters, with a robust background in national and international project finance and capital markets transactions. She leads the team with José Miguel Oliveira, who is highly experienced in the transport, oil and gas, and energy spaces.
Practice head(s):
José Miguel Oliveira; Teresa Empis Falcão
Other key lawyers:
Manuel Protásio; Magda Cocco
Testimonials
‘VdA stands out for its exceptional combination of legal expertise and cultural fluency, making it an invaluable partner for clients navigating complex international matters.’
‘The individuals at VdA truly set the firm apart in terms of their depth of knowledge, dedication, and client engagement.’
Key clients
Standard Bank of South Africa
Mota- Engil, Engenharia e Construção África, S.A. (Mota-Engil África)
Exor Petroleum
Puma Energy Moçambique, Limitada
Work highlights
- Advised Standard Bank of South Africa, serving as lead arranger and bookrunner, on all Mozambican law matters related to the refinancing and syndication of debt for Grit Real Estate Income Group Limited.
- Advised Mota-Engil África on a 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 Energy Moçambique on a transaction involving the carve-out of seven BP aviation fuel business units, transitioning from a sole entity fully owned by BP’s Group to Puma (BP Aviation), and the acquisition of BP’s entire share capital in a joint venture Mozambican entity.
Abreu Advogados
Abreu Advogados excels in sectors such as energy, aviation, infrastructure, natural resources, and financial markets. The firm’s diverse experience includes advising on oil and gas logistics platform concessions and retail real estate projects, as well as providing litigation and debt collection support to major domestic banking clients. Ana Sofia Batista and José Maria Corrêa De Sampaio lead the team from Lisbon, alongside Zara Jamal, who manages local partner firm JLA ADVOGADOS in Maputo. Batista is adept at M&A negotiations, including private equity transactions, while Jamal specialises in project and energy financing, real estate, and banking. Manuel Santos Vítor handles M&A deals across the energy, natural resources, and leisure spaces, and Isabel Pinheiro Torres contributes banking and finance expertise.
Practice head(s):
Ana Sofia Batista; José Maria Corrêa de Sampaio; Zara Jamal
Other key lawyers:
Manuel Santos Vítor; Diogo Pereira Duarte; Isabel Pinheiro Torres
Testimonials
‘The lawyers at Abreu Advogados and JLA Advogados are highly capable and masters in their fields of expertise. Together, Abreu and JLA have an outstanding capability to provide multi-disciplinary solutions.’
‘The core members of the Abreu and JLA team are Isabel Pinheiro Torres and Zara Jamal. They work seamlessly together from Portugal and Mozambique.’
Key clients
IDC – Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa
Limak Cimentos
Painhas Group
Portucel Mozambique
TOTAL
Work highlights
- Advised the French Development Agency on a financing operation for Hidroelétrica de Cahora Bassa S.A., the company operating the Cahora Bassa Dam hydroelectric power plant in Mozambique.
- Advised the senior creditors, including export credit agencies and the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), on the financing and development of the Area 1 LNG project in Mozambique.
- Advised Portucel Mozambique on establishing forestry plantations for industrial and commercial exploitation.
A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman provides services to both borrowing and lending parties, with the Lusophone desk co-led by Tim Scales in London, Scott Neilson in Tokyo, Ian Ingram-Johnson in Dubai, and Alessandra Pardini in Johannesburg. Ingram-Johnson offers assistance to a wide array of clients, such as project sponsors, financial institutions, governmental entities, and project companies, in industries including power, oil and gas, and infrastructure, as well as transportation, mining, and metal. Meanwhile, Neilson contributes extensive expertise in the LNG, oil and gas, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
Practice head(s):
Tim Scales; Scott Neilson; Ian Ingram-Johnson; Alessandra Pardini
Other key lawyers:
Filipa Serra
Key clients
Raxio
The Africa Foundation Trust
Country Bird Holdings Proprietary Limited
The lenders on the Rovuma LNG Project
The lenders to the Coral South FLNG Project
Work highlights
- Acted as lenders’ counsel in connection with the Area 4 Rovuma LNG project.
- Advised the export credit agencies and lenders on the development and financing of the approximately USD8bn Coral South FLNG project located in the Area 4 of the Coral South Offshore Basin.
- Provided pro bono legal advice on the Africa Foundation Trust’s establishment as a foreign NGO and on its operations in Mozambique.
Mayer Brown
Mayer Brown, which draws on a team of lawyers situated in Brazil, London, and Houston, is renowned for its expertise in oil and gas, mining, construction, and heavy industries. The group’s wide-ranging expertise includes the regulatory aspects of Mozambican energy projects, infrastructure agreements, joint ventures between foreign investors and domestic entities, and compliance with local immigration legislation. Overseeing the Lusophone Africa desk from Rio de Janeiro and London, Paulo Rage‘s experience spans all phases of cross-border projects and M&A transactions, from project planning and structuring to implementation and divestment.
Practice head(s):
Paulo Rage
Other key lawyers:
Gonçalo Falcão; Alexandre Chequer
Testimonials
‘The office always responds promptly, and the team is very skilled.’
‘Paulo Rage is very proactive and has in-depth knowledge of legislation and bureaucratic procedures in Mozambique.’
‘Paulo Rage has good knowledge of energy and electricity law, the general legal framework of Mozambique, and the possible direction of any upcoming changes.’
‘The team is well known for its diversity and collaboration without compromise on integrity and ethics. They have experience in the whole value chain of various oil and gas projects, including LNG. They can see what is really important to the client in the piles of documents, based on the client’s particular situation. Literally and metaphorically, they speak and write in the client’s language.’
‘Not only can Paulo Rage and his team identify what the risks are to the client in a transaction, they can give different advice based on the particular case and needs of the client. Thanks to their experience and expertise in the LNG business, the client can always count on them to provide practical and creative solutions to resolve concerns or make commercial decisions comfortably and consciously.’
Raposo Bernardo
Raposo Bernardo represents prominent banking clients on project, corporate, and asset financing matters, particularly in the oil and gas and infrastructure sectors. The team is jointly led by Joana Andrade Correia and Manuel Albuquerque. Andrade Correia is experienced in corporate restructurings and M&A deals, spanning domestic and international ventures in diverse sectors such as aviation, projects, banking, and energy. Albuquerque’s expertise extends to infrastructure, construction, oil and gas, and real estate projects, as well as privatisation processes.
Practice head(s):
Joana Andrade Correia; Manuel Albuquerque
Other key lawyers:
Edson Santos
Testimonials
‘Raposo Bernardo is a unique law firm that has an excellent team of lawyers. They are highly professional and bright; all very experienced and technically skilled.’
‘Joana Andrade Correia is a fantastic lawyer. She is very smart and highly skilled.’
‘Joana Andrade Correia is brilliant, and Manuel Albuquerque is a skilful lawyer with technical and commercial acumen.’
‘They are a problem-solving team. The level of knowledge is magnificent and surprising in its comprehensiveness.’
‘They are very experienced lawyers. Joana Andrade Correia is the best international lawyer who works in Mozambican jurisdiction.’
‘Raposo Bernardo’s level of service is quite fantastic. The lawyers live to solve our problems.’
‘Joana Andrade Correia is a very highly skilled lawyer. She is a visionary who combines enormous legal expertise with an understanding of how the market works.’
‘‘Raposo Bernardo’s performance and its overall level of legal services is simply excellent.’
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP advises global corporations, financial organisations, and governmental bodies on various contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm’s Africa division is managed by Mukund Dhar in London, who assists clients in the energy, natural resources, infrastructure, and telecoms sectors, with projects, joint ventures, acquisitions, and commercial agreements. London-based Jason Kerr brings expertise in international finance to the team, advising a range of clients including commercial banks, export credit agencies, project sponsors, and multilateral lending institutions.
Practice head(s):
Mukund Dhar
Other key lawyers:
Jason Kerr; Rebecca Campbell
Key clients
Republic of Mozambique
Vale
JBIC
NEXI
China Exim
US Exim
ECIC
Atradius
SACE
Mauritius Commercial Bank
Syrah Resources
Axian Energy Green Limited
Work highlights
- Represented Vale on its disposal of the Moatize coal mine and the Nacala rail and port corridor located in Mozambique and Malawi to Vulcan Minerals.
- Advised the financiers on a landmark US$20+ billion project financing of Mozambique’s first onshore LNG development, Mozambique LNG.
- Advised the Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited on its financing of the expansion and conversion of the fuel source of a 60-80 MW powership project in Mozambique and associated FSRU.
CMS
CMS is actively involved in a variety of industries, including maritime, transport, and construction, as well as energy, agriculture, and telecoms. The firm integrated Maputo-based firm Couto, Graça e Associados, lda – member of CMS in November 2022, expanding its operations in the region. The Lusophone Africa practice is jointly headed by Alberto Galhardo Simões, Nuno Alves Mansilha, and Tiago Machado Graça. Galhardo Simões is well versed in infrastructure, project finance, and corporate matters, while Mansilha’s expertise lies in M&A, international transactions, corporate restructuring, and FDI. Machado Graça, who became a partner in January 2023, is adept at advising on both national and international tax and investment issues.
Practice head(s):
Alberto Galhardo Simões; Nuno Alves Mansilha; Tiago Machado Graça
Other key lawyers:
Richad Majid
Testimonials
‘CMS exhibits innovation, excellence, and respect for the independence of local firms. They have solid knowledge and experience in local law and practice.’
‘Nuno Alves Mansilha is experienced in the Mozambican legal market. Richad Majid has strong, solid legal knowledge of the Mozambican market and is very versatile.’
‘Very strong team with a strong local presence that gives the firm an edge over other firms who do not have a “boots on the ground” presence. You can feel that it is a firm that is focused on people and that is reflected in the skills of the people you work with.’
‘The firm has the experience, dimension and professional reputation required to ensure international standards, technical innovation and capacity when providing legal services. The CMS team has a good knowledge of the country’s laws and administrative rules and procedures.’
‘Nuno Alves Mansilha is experienced in assisting clients with corporate and M&A matters in Mozambican projects. He is practice-orientated and a problem solver.’
‘Richad Majid is familiar with the reality in Mozambique and has experience in various areas, including labour law, corporate law and foreign exchange. He is always available to assist his clients and is very hard-working.’
‘Nuno Mansilha is an excellent partner and very effective in addressing the different nuances of the client’s activity and their inherent legal needs.’
‘They are very responsive.’
Key clients
Vantage Drilling
SPIE Oil & Gas Services
Enterprise Philippe Lassarat
Orey Group
Tereos Group (Companhia do Sena)
Keyplan
Altus Management Group
Saipem SpA
Vinci Energies, S.A
Voith Hydro
Work highlights
- Advised Vantage Drilling on the structuring of its drilling operations in Mozambique.
- Advised Spie Oil & Gas Services on the structuring of an intragroup services agreement with Spie Oil & Gas Services Angola.
- Advised Entreprise Philippe Lassarat on its pre-litigation and litigation cases against two subsidiaries of two Portuguese construction companies.
Cuatrecasas
Cuatrecasas offers clients diverse expertise in matters ranging from corporate M&A, banking and finance, and taxation to arbitration and labour law, acting for investment funds, private equity entities, financial organisations, and global corporations. Practice head Samantha Cyrne specialises in cross-border project finance transactions and concessions in sectors such as gas, mining, and infrastructure, as well as agriculture, industry, and tourism. Luís Soares De Sousa excels in supporting clients involved in the Mozambican market or those seeking investment opportunities in other regions.
Practice head(s):
Samantha Cyrne
Other key lawyers:
Luís Soares de Sousa
Key clients
Grit Real Estate Income Group Limited
Strongeagle Mozambique Fund
Pestana Hotel Group
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Roche
Couto, Graça & Associados
Gorongosa Restoration Inc.
Infinitas Learning International B.V.
Work highlights
- Advised Strongeagle Mozambique Fund on projects in Mozambique, including maritime training for oil and gas offshore companies operating in Mozambique.
- Represented Grit Real Estate Income Group Limited before the Competition Regulatory Authority of Mozambique in a procedure relating to the acquisition of sole control over Gateway Real Estate Africa Limited.
- Advised Pestana Hotel Group on the implementation of GDPR.
Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland works in close partnership with Eversheds Sutherland AG Advogados in Mozambique, offering expertise in multiple sectors, with a strong focus on energy, including oil and gas. The team is guided by João Couceiro, an expert in corporate, commercial, banking, and capital market issues, with areas of proficiency including project finance, M&A, and infrastructure. Felipe Ros is adept at handling international financing, M&A, and restructurings in Mozambique, in addition to dealing with litigation and employment, real estate, competition, taxation, and energy matters.
Practice head(s):
João Couceiro
Other key lawyers:
Felipe Ros
Testimonials
‘Felipe Ros and João Couceiro are both professionals who are very well prepared and have a deep knowledge of the regulations and procedures in Mozambique.’
‘They make the project easy, even when negotiating from Lisbon. The work gives us a sense of reassurance.’
‘Good collaboration and easy transition between partners. Client-focused and not a one-size-fits-all approach.’
Key clients
Otis
SOFEC
JAS
Matthews Daniel
Bureau Veritas
Kuiper Group (UAE)/ Golf Capital (UAE)
Regus
Dentsu
Lionsteel
Elecnor
Trinity International LLP
Based in London, boutique firm Trinity International LLP is proficient in project and corporate finance, focusing primarily on the energy, infrastructure, resources, and industrial sectors in emerging economies. The firm boasts expertise in African energy and infrastructure deals, providing advice to independent power producers and infrastructure initiatives. Simon Norris, who co-founded the firm, offers guidance to project developers, investors, and financial institutions on deals in the power, energy, transportation, and other infrastructure sectors. He leads the team with Paul Biggs and Kaushik Ray. Lucy Johnson and Elizabeth Handley, both adept at energy sector transactions, play key roles in supporting the team.
Practice head(s):
Paul Biggs; Simon Norris; Kaushik Ray
Other key lawyers:
Lucy Johnson; Elizabeth Handley
Testimonials
‘The energy team has significant expertise in operations in Mozambique.’
‘Deep African energy expertise, pragmatic and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Simon Norris effortlessly gets complicated points across during negotiations. Lucy Johnson is absolutely brilliant and has great attention to detail.’
Key clients
KfW Development Bank/Mozambican Ministry of Resources and Energy
Standard Bank of South Africa
Azura Power Holdings Limited
Globeleq
Work highlights
- Advised Globeleq, as project sponsor, on the development of the Namaacha wind power project in Maputo.
- Acted for Azura Power in respect of its development of a 200MW combined-cycle gas-fired power project in Nacala.
- Advised the sponsors, including Scatec Solar and Norfund, on the Mocuba solar project.