Legal and Compliance Director Africa | Colas
Ali Seffar
Legal and Compliance Director Africa | Colas
Team Size: 14 lawyers and contract managers
What are the most significant cases and transactions that you have been involved in over the past year?
With over 15 years of experience in contract management, particularly in the construction and public works sector across Africa, I have led negotiations and compliance efforts for multi-million € projects. This includes structuring contracts to align with both local and international regulations, overseeing execution, mitigating risks, and ensuring deliverables are met.
Additionally, I have worked on structuring project financing, ensuring legal security while optimizing financial conditions. My experience extends to M&A operations, both acquisitions and divestments, where I supported strategic business growth while navigating regulatory complexities.
Based on your experience, what is the key to collaborating successfully with business partners?
Balancing legal compliance with business objectives requires a pragmatic approach. I prioritize understanding business needs and working closely with operational teams to align legal frameworks with corporate strategy. Providing clear, actionable legal advice and structuring solutions that facilitate commercial objectives while ensuring compliance is key to success.
We are now living in a changing geopolitical environment, with increased sanctions and export controls over the past two to three years. Does this affect your work, particularly regarding your risk management duties?
Operating across multiple African jurisdictions within a large French group, I navigate evolving regulatory landscapes that require adaptability. Ensuring compliance involves continuous monitoring, internal audits, and engagement with local and international authorities.
I have implemented structured compliance frameworks, including risk assessments and targeted training programs, to anticipate regulatory shifts—whether in procurement rules, competition laws, or compliance requirements. This proactive approach enables the business to maintain operational continuity while swiftly adapting to legal developments.