Ashurst is to open an office in Morocco led by a former Clifford Chance partner.
Ouns Lemseffer has been appointed head of Morocco as the global firm prepares to launch an office in Casablanca, its first on the African continent.
She will serve as managing partner of the new office, which will be the firm’s 32nd globally.
Lemseffer specialises in project finance, structured finance, restructuring, and financial market operations. She is also active in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity, with a focus on the energy and infrastructure sectors.
The firm’s Africa practice dates back 120 years and houses more than 150 partners and associates from across the firm’s global offices. Lemseffer will work alongside lawyers from Paris, London, and the Middle East to set up the new office.
“We are delighted to welcome Ouns to the team as we advance our ambitious growth strategy and look to open our first office on the continent,” said David Charlier, managing partner of the firm’s Middle East offices. “Over recent years, investment flows from private capital and corporates into Africa have surged, and that is only set to increase.”
“Ouns brings a deep understanding of the Francophone and sub-Saharan Africa markets which not only complements our existing capabilities but will also be invaluable as we set up a presence in Casablanca and capitalise further on the opportunities ahead,” he said.
Paul Jenkins, global chief executive officer at Ashurst, said: “As Africa experiences rapid population growth and sustained economic development, the continent is emerging as a key hub for businesses and investors with significant opportunities across various sectors including infrastructure, energy, financial services, technology, and real estate. Expanding our offering and building on the proven track record of our established Africa practice is an exciting prospect and one which positions us to deliver even greater value to our clients as they navigate this fast-evolving market.”
Morocco, and Casablanca in particular, is a growing business hub in North Africa. Its renewable energy and emerging hydrogen market, infrastructure investments, and mature securitisation market present considerable business opportunities.
Al Tamimi & Company recently renewed its presence in Morocco with the hire of banking, finance, and regulatory partner Omar Zizi, along with his team, from KZ & Partners in Casablanca.
