Career biography

Marlise Schmidt is the General Counsel of Globeleq, appointed to the role in 2024 after nearly a decade with the company. A South African-qualified attorney, notary and conveyancer, she has more than 16 years of experience in the African energy sector, specialising in complex project development, acquisitions, financing and commercial negotiations across multiple jurisdictions.

Since joining Globeleq in 2016, Marlise has been instrumental in advancing several of the company’s most significant transactions. She led the legal workstreams for major projects including the 450 MW Temane gas-to-power project, the 19 MW Cuamba solar PV and battery storage project, and the acquisition and financing of five South African renewable plants. She also played key roles in private sector offtake negotiations with major mining clients, and the acquisition and ongoing integration of the Mocuba solar facility in Mozambique.

As General Counsel, Marlise oversees all legal, ethical, governance and compliance matters across Globeleq’s operations. She leads a team of legal professionals across the UK, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa, manages international arbitration and litigation, and provides strategic legal support to the Board and shareholders. She also serves as Chair of Azito Energie, a 713 MW gas-fired power plant in Côte d’Ivoire.

Prior to Globeleq, Marlise held senior legal roles at NRG Energy and SolaireDirect (now Engie), and co-founded Infrastream Advisory, an energy sector advisory firm. Earlier in her career, she practised at Norton Rose Fulbright and ENS Africa, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, corporate law and competition law.

Marlise has supported energy and infrastructure projects in Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Eswatini, Uganda, Ghana and Botswana. She holds a BCom (Law) and an LLB from Nelson Mandela University. Known for her strong commercial acumen, solution-driven approach and ability to manage complex stakeholder environments, she is recognised as a trusted leader in African energy project delivery.