The 'knowledgeable' investment funds team at Webber Wentzel is a market leader in establishing and structuring funds for local and international clients. The practice also demonstrates strong expertise across energy, infrastructure, impact, and climate funds. Practice head Michael Denenga routinely advises on cross-jurisdictional fund structures, fund finance, and establishment, and he is ably supported by Nicole Paige, who focuses on secondary fund transactions, alternative investment funds, and ESG investing. Ashford Nyatsumba specialises in private equity funds, Gitte Truter in establishing fund vehicles, and Chevon Marupen in Africa-focused private equity and venture capital funds, while Adriaan Booysen advises on Africa-targeted funds.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Nicole Paige has a very practical approach and brings her insight to assist the client to find a better outcome. Adriaan Booysen has very strong legal technical expertise and also ensures a very collaborative approach between other members of the Webber Wentzel team for the benefit of the client.’
- ‘The investment funds team at Webber Wentzel has a good breadth of experience in structuring funds investing across Africa, making them a trusted advisor.’
- ‘Nicole Paige and Ashford Nyatsumba are both seasoned advisors who always provide pragmatic advice with a focus on the commercial deal.’
- ‘The Webber Wentzel Investment Funds team is the market leading team across Africa. Their legal expertise blended with their commercial understanding of the investment funds landscape enables them to provide exceptional service at a global level. They are well regarded in the international market and are involved in further developing the African Funds space.'
- 'Michael Denenga has a diverse knowledge base in law, particularly in finance and investments and this brings a unique perspective that unlocks value in his provision of legal services. Chevon Marupen is an excellent practitioner who consistently exceeds expectations. She is committed to providing outstanding legal services.'
- 'Clinton Mphahlele is very responsive and is able to provide pragmatic and efficient solutions to the formation of funds. His attention to detail and ability to communicate with various stakeholders makes closings and the admission of limited partners into funds a seamless process.’
Key clients
- Actis
- Adenia Capital
- Admaius
- African Infrastructure Investment Management
- AfricInvest
- Alexander Forbes Investments Administration
- Alphacode
- Carlyle
- Convergence Partners
- Enko Capital
- Ethos
- Infinite Partners Proprietary Limited
Work highlights
Advising African Infrastructure Investment Managers on the establishment of African Infrastructure Fund IV, which had an extremely successful fundraising and reached its hard cap at USD748m, with 29 institutional investors, more than half of which were new to the African infrastructure space.
Advising Admaius on the establishment of Virunga Fund I, which was a landmark fundraising for a new panAfrican private equity vehicle and it is domiciled within the Kigali International Financial Centre, reflecting Rwanda’s emergence as a credible hub for African cross-border capital deployment.
Advising Inspired Evolution on the establishment of Evolution III, a next-generation climate focused private equity fund in Africa anchored by heavyweight DFIs such as the EIB, FMO, AfDB, Finnfund, Swedfund, SIFEM, EMCAF, IFC, and OeEB.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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.
Clinton Mphahlele
Practice head
Michael Denenga
Other key lawyers
Nicole Paige; Ashford Nyatsumba; Gitte Truter; Chevon Marupen; Adriaan Booysen; Clinton Mphahlele