Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Projects and public law

Projects and public law in Morocco

Ashurst

Ashurst has launched its new office in Casablanca, bolstered by the arrival of new managing partner Ouns Lemseffer.

Junction Law Morocco

Junction Law Morocco advise on all aspects of projects and public law, particularly excelling in transport and construction projects. The firm is led by Hughes de La Forge and Ghjuvana Luigi, both dedicated experts in the field.

Responsables de la pratique:

Hughes de La Forge; Ghjuvana Luigi


A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman ‘s wide-ranging practice encompasses public law expertise in public contracts, financing of public infrastructures and foreign investments, as well as frequently advising sponsors, construction companies and lenders on project and project financing matters. The team is jointly led by Hicham Naciri, Yassir Ghorbal and Antoine Haddad. Managing partner Naciri is well-versed in large-scale projects in the banking, insurance and infrastructure sectors, while Ghorbal advises financial institutions, real estate developers and energy companies on projects and project finance matters. Haddad provides expertise across the full scope of energy and infrastructure sectors, including thermal power plants, water treatment facilities and ports.

Responsables de la pratique:

Hicham Naciri; Yassir Ghorbal; Antoine Haddad


Principaux clients

International Power SA


Nareva Holding SA


Managem Group


Green of Africa and Vinci Concessions


Veolia


Awb, BoA and BCP


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Managem Group on the financing and construction of a copper and silver mining operation, a significant mining initiative located in the Irhem region of Morocco, focusing on the extraction of copper and silver.

Gide Loyrette Nouel

Gide Loyrette Nouel‘s well-established client base features sponsors, public entities and financial institutions, frequently advising on energy and infrastructure transactions and financings, including PPPs, BOTs and concessions. The team are specialists in the electricity sector, with strong credentials advising public and private entities with the development of renewable energy projects. Wacef Bentaibi spearheads the practice with over two decades of experience, providing expertise in project financing and PPPs in the mining, oil and gas sectors. Frédéric Pia is well-versed in advising on all aspects of renewable energy power plants and infrastructure projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Wacef Bentaibi


Autres avocats clés:

Frederic Pia; Chloé Joachim de Larivière


Les références

‘Local context knowledge, extensive experience.’

‘Open-mindedness, flexibility and attentiveness.’

‘The legal team has demonstrated a high level of professionalism and responsiveness, providing valuable insights and real added value throughout the negotiating of the deal.’

Principaux clients

Calvalley


Dakhla Water & Energy Company


Hitachi Zosen Inova AG


National Agency of Strategic Management of State Participations and Performance Monitoring of State-owned Enterprises


NGE Contracting


Siemens Mobility


Alsa Maroc


QAIR Maroc


Fonds Mohammed VI pour l’Investissement


Innov X


CDG Invest


Engie North Africa


Vinci Concessions


Suez International


OCP Green Energy


OCP SA


Nareva Holding


International Finance Corporation


Global Port Holding


SALN


Technopark


Riva Industries


Fipar


Media Rep


2Acom


Kanadevia


I-Environment


Terminal Investment Limited


Nador West Med Port


Chariot Transitional Power


Meridiam


TIL Group


CIMR


CME Africa


Flutter Entertainment


Total EREN


Tanger Med Utilities


Itochu Corporation


Moroccan National Electricity Regulatory Authority


Ocean Management Infrastructure


Sisal


Steya


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising OCP on the structuring of OCP’s solar programme and the drafting of all associated project contracts.
  • Advising FIFA on the public law aspects for the project of FIFA’s office in Morocco.
  • Assisting Nareva, Kanadevia, and I-Environment with the development of an Energy from Waste project which would include the construction of a new landfill in Casablanca, rehabilitation works, a power plant, a biogas unit, and an incinerator producing electricity from household wastes.

ASAFO & CO. MOROCCO Sarl

ASAFO & CO. MOROCCO Sarl fields a considerable workload handling strategic PPP projects, complex real estate and investments, as well as project financing. The team are particularly active across the automotive and battery manufacturing sectors, handling large scale infrastructure and industrial development projects. The practice is jointly led by Patrick Larrivé, frequently acting for private equity funds, private companies, public sector bodies and governments, and Louis Dubois who focuses on administrative and public law, public contracts and PFI matters.  Guy-Fabrice Holo focuses on public law and PPP projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Patrick Larrivé; Louis Dubois


Autres avocats clés:

Guy-Fabrice Holo


Les références

‘Leading firm in the field of the public procurement and commercial law, consistently delivering outstanding legal advice and strategic guidance. Deep understanding of complex transactional matters. They combine technical excellence with pragmatic, business-oriented approach.’

‘Louis Dobois and Guy-Fabrice Holo. Outstanding lawyers, proactive, customer-oriented, solid and reliable legal knowledge, consistently delivering high-quality work.’

Principaux clients

Songon Energies


Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles


Norfund


Dyva Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Norfund in its latest investment in CrossBoundary Energy, doubling its stake in the company to $80m. On the project side, the task entailed reviewing the projects and financing documentation and proposing amendments to the project documentation used by CrossBoundary Energy.
  • Advising Starénergie 2073 as project sponsor in the negotiation with the government of Côte d’Ivoire of an amendment to the concession agreement for the design, financing, construction and operation of a 372 MW combined-cycle power plant at Songon.
  • Advising Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles on the call for tenders by ONCF for the acquisition of new trains and development of the rail industry.

FIDAL

Fidal Africa is reputed for its expertise in the renewable energy sector, particularly handling risk mitigation, regulatory frameworks and compliance for hydrogen and offshore wind projects. Additionally, the team provide dedicated services focused on the auditing of PPP contracts. Julie Claude spearheads the practice, excelling in public business law, PPP and complex public contracts and leverages two decades of public project experience in the energy, mining and health sectors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Julie Claude


Les références

‘This is a great team, very dedicated and available to its clients with a deep knowledge of the energy sector and the political context, as well as a practical approach very solution-orientated.’

‘Julie Claude has a deep knowledge and understanding of what it takes to successfully develop infrastructure and energy projects in Morocco and more generally on the African continent. She is available and dedicated to her clients with a very personalised approach.’

‘Julie Claude demonstrates a remarkable ability to manage complex infrastructure and public law projects involving multiple stakeholders and layered challenges. Her capacity to coordinate legal, technical, and financial dimensions with precision and clarity is instrumental to the success of large-scale initiatives. Whether advising on regulatory structuring or steering cross-border negotiations, she brings a unique combination of strategic vision and operational effectiveness.’

‘FIDAL Morocco Africa’s Projects and Public Law team combines deep local knowledge with a strong international perspective. What makes them unique is their ability to navigate complex infrastructure and regulatory environments across Africa while providing clear, pragmatic and business-orientated advice. They are particularly strong in PPP structuring, project financing and public sector engagement.’

‘FIDAL’s advice is practical, tailored, and solution-orientated, rather than purely academic. Their work is delivered efficiently and consistently at a very high standard.’

‘Julie Claude stands out as an exceptional partner. She combines sharp technical expertise with a deep understanding of the African infrastructure ecosystem, including the legal and financial constraints faced by investors and public entities. Her ability to anticipate issues and propose workable, pragmatic solutions makes her unique compared with competitors.’

‘The practice stands out for its pragmatic, business-orientated advice and collaborative approach. We appreciate the team’s responsiveness and multidisciplinary expertise.’

‘What truly sets the individuals in this practice apart is their combination of technical excellence and commercial pragmatism. They don’t just provide legal advice; they anticipate challenges, think creatively, and deliver clear solutions that help clients move forward with confidence.’

Principaux clients

Promoged


Air Liquide


Avant scene


UC-PCCET


INEE/CDG


 


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Air Liquide in an audit focused on a wide scope of legal issues on complex and innovative projects across rare industrial and medical gases industry.
  • Advised State of Senegal on the implementation of public private partnerships aimed at structuring the infrastructure of future integrated waste recovery centres as part of the second phase of the Solid Waste Management Promotion Project.
  • Advised SNCF in the implementation of photovoltaic power plant installations across 55 ONCF railway stations.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s projects and public law practice advises on large-scale projects in the energy, infrastructure and transport sectors. Alain Malek spearheads the practice, noted for his expertise in natural resources projects and advising financial institutions on mining and power plant related matters. Mathieu Dahan is a key lawyer who assists with procurement, finance and corporate aspects of energy and public sector projects. Nicole Ackah-Yensu has left the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alain Malek


Autres avocats clés:

Mathieu Dahan


Principaux clients

MASEN


EGIS RAIL


Office National des Chemins de Fer


World Bank Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy MASEN on the next phases of Morocco’s ambitious solar plan.
  • Advising ONCF in relation to various matters involving the management of the rails and station.

ADNA

Financial institutions, international companies and lenders frequently turn to ADNA for transactions, projects and regulatory matters, the team are active across the renewable wind energy and automotive sectors. The practice is jointly led by Youssef Benamar and Safia Fassi-Fihri. Benamar advises clients on industrial, construction and urban planning projects, including negotiating an agreement with the Moroccan state, structuring projects and preparing project development contracts. Transactional lawyer Fassi-Fihri excels in infrastructure-related project, debt financing and joint ventures, recently assisting with the drafting and negotiations of EPC agreements in the infrastructure sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Safia Fassi Fihri; Youssef Benamar


Autres avocats clés:

Ghita Bennis


Les références

‘Very hands on experienced team with good expertise on energy sector. Ability to bridge the gap between international standards and local environment in Morocco.’

‘Ghita Bennis is very knowledgeable and accurate on energy regulation and very pragmatic when it comes to conducting project due diligence. Safia Fassi-Fihri is very approachable to her clients and demonstrates excellent communication and teaching skills.’

 

Principaux clients

Sunrise


Uber


CCCC


CRBC


Sabis


Farplas


Midea


Sentury


Huayou


CNGR Tech


Principaux dossiers


Mokhtari & Brahma Avocats

Mokhtari & Brahma Avocats is a boutique firm specialising in projects and financing matters, particularly adept in project financing in the energy sector. The firm is active in the mining, infrastructure, oil and gas sectors, assisting its well-established client base featuring local and international financial institutions, fund managers and governmental bodies. Founding partner Ghalia Mokhtari spearheads the practice, providing expertise to energy companies, sponsors and developers on construction issues, acquisitions and PPP matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ghalia Mokhtari


Principaux clients

Xingye Gold Mining Company Limited


Apex Royalties Limited


ORNX


Nordex Green Hydrogen


The National Institute for Energy Efficiency


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting as Moroccan legal counsel to the potential commercial lenders and development finance institutions in connection with the Noor Midelt Phase III project.
  • Acting as Moroccan legal counsel to Inner Mongolia Xingye Silver & Tin Mining Co. Ltd. in connection with its proposed acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Atlantic Tin Ltd, an Australian company developing tin and polymetallic mining assets in Morocco.
  • Advising as Moroccan legal adviser to the consortium Nordex/Acciona/Ortus (ORNX) on the development of four green hydrogen projects in Morocco.

UGGC Africa

UGGC Africa covers a wide array of project and public law matters, including PPP, public procurement and public construction law. The team regularly advises on the financing, construction and operation of power plants, airport complexes and container terminals. Ali Bougrine spearheads the practices, acting for major foreign and international industrial and finance groups on complex contracts and structuring of international investments. Other key lawyers include Rim Tazi and Fabien Gagnerot.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ali Bougrine


Autres avocats clés:

Fabien Gagnerot; Rim Tazi


Les références

‘Good grasp of regulatory requirements. Concise notes and workable recommendations. Diligent tracking of milestones.’

‘Ali Bougrine demonstrates consistent oversight, is highly accessible, and possesses strong commercial acumen, which proves particularly valuable in managing cross-border cases in France, Belgium and Central Africa.’

Fabien Gagnerot delivers precise drafting, facilitates seamless collaboration between teams, and consistently meets deadlines.’

Principaux clients

Holcim Group


RATP Dev Group


John Cockerill Group


Systra Group


Mirova


Atlas Fruits Company


Matis Aerospace


Gentherm


Principaux dossiers