Clifford Chance LLP has a significant presence in the practice area, with a particular strength across Africa, Eastern Europe and India. The team is particularly renowned in banking and finance matters and is also active on projects, securities, and international arbitration. Leadership of the team is split between Simon Williams and Kayode Oladipo. Williams advises on the acquisition of a broad range of assets, while Oladipo specialises in cross-border loan financing. Rounding out the robust bench is Deborah Zandstra, whose practice centres around sovereign debt advisory work and Olamide Oladosu, who focuses on energy projects. Recent instructions include a record DFI capital raise acting for the Bank of Industry in a €1.879 billion syndicated loan. Michael Obiri-Darko is another notable individual.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Kayode Oladipo is attentive to client needs. Michael Obiri-Darko is an excellent associate.’
‘Clifford Chance stands out as a responsive, forward-thinking firm that partners closely with clients to deliver agile, innovative solutions tailored to complex challenges. Beyond legal excellence, they combine efficiency, insight, and collaboration to serve as trusted advisors in a rapidly evolving world—positioning them uniquely among top-tier firms.’
‘Michael Obiri-Darko, consistently stands out for his proactive, solutions-driven mindset. What makes Michael unique is not just his deep legal expertise, but his unwavering focus on delivering outcomes in the most efficient and practical way possible. Kayode exemplifies the kind of partnership clients value most: someone who is technically excellent, commercially grounded, and truly committed to driving positive results.’
‘Very highly competent team that delivers solutions to complex issues in a timely manner.’
'Michael Obiri-Darko, as a client liaison, has been exceptional. His interaction and ability to determine client needs before even being asked have been second to none. We have received ad hoc advice on many projects off of a simple call that has made a world of difference to us and the success we have had in recent times, which is deeply appreciated.'
‘This is a team of talented lawyers with ample experience in emerging markets. They have advised us on a number of complex transactions across different jurisdictions including Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and other markets in Africa. Over the years, they have demonstrated deep insights and understanding of our markets and the regulatory environments we operate. ’
‘Michael Obiri-Darko is a seasoned, thoughtful and commercially minded lawyer who pays close attention to client needs to offer fit-for-purpose solutions. He brings his deep technical knowledge, respected judgment and commercial acumen, which has earned him our trust as well as that of our clients.’
‘Outstanding knowledge and experience of the Indian, Turkish and SE Asian market.’
'Excellent, top quality tailored client service. One-stop shop, which any top corporate would appreciate.'
'The team has real capacity which is brought to bear when you need to close a transaction by a specific deadline. The team can also work at an extremely fast pace when needed.'
Key clients
- AFC
- Luminar Capital
- EBRD
- ICBC
- KBC
- Africell Holding Limited
- Gemcorp Capital LLP
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Standard Bank
- Morgan Stanley
- Emirates NBD Capital
- Samba Capital
- Mashreqbank psc
- Global investment banks
Work highlights
Advising the lenders in relation to a financing mix of up to USD1.8b (consisting of an up to USD 800,000,000 DFI facility agreement which recently closed and 2 ECA buyer-credit facilities with SInosure providing the coverage and a vendor financing which will equally be covered by ECA).
Advised Bank of Industry ("BOI") on a dual-tranche dual-currency c. €2 billion equivalent loan provided by a global syndicate of lenders, consisting of a €1.7 bn term loan and a US$159m term loan.
Advised the Republic of Rwanda in its capacity as borrower in relation to a EUR200,000,000 sustainable commercial loan financing from J.P. Morgan, which benefits from partial credit guarantee support from the African Development Fund (part of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group)).
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Michael Obiri-Darko
Practice head
Simon Williams; Kayode Oladipo
Other key lawyers
Deborah Zandstra; Olamide Oladosu; Michael Obiri-Darko