Global law firm Ashurst further strengthens its Africa capabilities with the appointment of Ouns Lemseffer as Head of Morocco and plans to launch an office in Casablanca.
Ouns, who will act as managing partner of the office, specialises in project finance, structured finance, restructuring and financial market operations in the Francophone Africa region. She is also active in M&A and private equity, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors in North and West Africa.
The firm's Africa practice dates back 120 years and brings together more than 150 partners and associates from across the firm's global offices. The team advises a wide range of local and international clients across the region, particularly on M&A, project development, project finance, dispute resolution and regulatory matters.
"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, Co-Head of Projects & Energy Transition EMEA at Ashurst. "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."
Paul Jenkins, Global CEO at Ashurst, commented: "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."
Lee McDonald, Global Head of Projects & Energy Transition at Ashurst, added: "Ouns' appointment is the next step in the growth of our Africa practice, further advancing our offering. She has an enviable reputation in the region, and her addition broadens our capabilities for existing clients and opens new opportunities. Morocco, and Casablanca in particular, serves as the key hub for international companies doing business in Africa. It's buoyant renewable energy industry and emerging hydrogen market, significant infrastructure investment and relatively mature securitization market presents considerable business opportunities. Ouns' impressive track record and vast experience mean she is well-equipped to lead the Morocco business."
Ouns said: "Ashurst is the perfect platform with a well-integrated global Africa group and a longstanding reputation in the region, especially in energy and infrastructure. I look forward to working with my colleagues across Paris, London and the Middle East to set up a presence in Morocco and further develop our offering in the Francophone Africa region, especially on complex and innovative transactions by combining the best international standards and a longstanding expertise of local law and market standards."
