The project shows the firm’s ability to successfully close first-of-a-kind projects in Africa
Clifford Chance has acted for two development finance institutions that are involved in West Africa’s largest wind-power project.
The firm advised America’s Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and EKF Denmark's Export Credit Agency (EKF). OPIC and EKF are the lenders for the 158MW wind-farm project to be constructed in Taïba N'Diaye, about 75km northeast of Dakar, Senegal.
Taïba N'Diaye, which is being developed by Lekela Power, is Senegal’s first industrial-scale wind project. It is part of the government’s plan to diversify its energy sources and enhance its use of renewable energy.
Calling the project exciting and ambitious, Clifford Chance partner Ross Howard said that project shows the firm’s ability to successfully close first-of-a-kind projects in Africa.
“We have been involved alongside OPIC and EKF since the start of their involvement and have been delighted to be able to help them and Lekela navigate – and develop bespoke solutions for – the various challenges the project has faced,” he said.
The cross-border Clifford Chance team included partners Lori Bean in Washington, Matthew Buchanan in Singapore, and David Felsenthal in New York. Senior associate Danielle Delbridge in Singapore – as well as associates Noah Honch in Tokyo, Greg Kahn in New York, Greg Jehle in Washington, and Hugues Martin-Sisteron in Paris – also worked on the project.
