With ‘concrete experience in large and complex transactions’, Couto, Graça e Associados, lda – member of CMS is recognised for its proficiency in corporate, banking and finance, and real estate law, as well as in concessions, labour, and dispute resolution matters. Pedro Couto, heading the energy, natural resources, and infrastructure department, is renowned for his expertise in PPPs and large-scale projects in sectors such as infrastructure, oil and gas, mining, and banking. Telmo Ferreira, directing the corporate, tax, and capital markets practice, is a go-to advisor on M&As, IPOs, corporate governance, and concession contracts. Álvaro Pinto Basto, leading the litigation department, specialises in domestic and international arbitration and judicial proceedings. Gisela Graça is also a key contact. The Maputo-based firm joined CMS in November 2022.
Local law firms in Mozambique
Couto, Graça e Associados, lda – member of CMS
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Pedro Couto; Telmo Ferreira; Álvaro Pinto Basto; Faizal Jusob; Célia Francisco; Gisela Graça
Referenzen
‘CGA provides very high-quality services and concrete experience in large and complex transactions.’
‘The team are well experienced and always available to help.’
‘CGA is a firm with highly qualified staff and a sense of responsibility. It has a team with knowledge in different areas and is always ready to respond to the needs of its clients.’
Kernmandanten
Azura
Mozal
CFAO Motors Mozambique Lda
Access Bank Mozambique
Sasol South Africa
Millennium Bim
Nedbank Moçambique
Vodacom
Eni
Highlight-Mandate
- Provided legal assistance for a gas-fired power station project involving the generation and sale, including export, of up to 250 MW of electricity.
- Advised on the sale of a major shareholder’s participatory interests in an energy company operating under a concession agreement.
- Advised on the development and implementation of a 40MWp solar power plant.
DLA Piper Africa, Mozambique (SAL & Caldeira Advogados, Lda)
DLA Piper Africa, Mozambique (SAL & Caldeira Advogados, Lda) caters to top petroleum and mining firms, foreign investors and international banks, as well as diplomatic missions and NGOs. Managing partner Eduardo Alberto da Costa Calú heads the tax practice, specialising in tax compliance and structuring. José Roque Gonçalves leads the litigation unit, representing clients in criminal, civil, labour, and maritime disputes, while Marla Genoveva Mandlate Chade directs the banking and foreign exchange group. Soraia Calú Issufo, who heads the immigration practice, advises on work permissions and residency for foreign governments, NGOs, and private clients, while Samuel Levy and Kaina Mussagy Arentsen manage the projects, energy, and infrastructure division. Gimina Luís Mahumana Langa, leading the labour practice, advises employers, unions, and individuals, and Gisela Manhiça Sitoe heads the commercial, regulatory, and public institutions areas. José Manuel Caldeira is also a notable contact.
Praxisleiter:
Eduardo Alberto da Costa Calú; Gisela Manhiça Sitoe; José Roque Gonçalves; Marla Genoveva Mandlate Chade; Soraia Calú Issufo; Samuel Levy; Kaina Mussagy Arentsen; Gimina Luís Mahumana Langa
Weitere Kernanwälte:
José Manuel Caldeira
Referenzen
‘The firm has unique knowledge of the complex regulatory framework surrounding the energy sector and foreign companies operating in it. The lawyers have up-to-date market knowledge.’
‘They provide high-quality, swift responses on urgent substantive matters.’
‘The firm provides a full range of services across all legal sectors, with highly qualified experts, making it the top law firm locally.’
Kernmandanten
South32 Group Operations Pty. Ltd.
Southern Minerals, Limitada
CYIENT
ARC Power Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted as local counsel for South32 Group Operations Pty Ltd in acquiring additional shares worth US$200 million in Mozambique’s largest smelter company, increasing its majority shareholding.
- Assisted Southern Minerals with reviewing an investment agreement for a potential $62.5 million investment and provided general advice on the transaction.
- Advised on a shareholder’s agreement for a Mozambican joint venture mining company based on English law, and assisted in structuring and incorporating the venture related to a $5 million investment.
Avillez, Bacar, Duarte & Centeio - Sociedade de Advogados (ABCC)
Avillez, Bacar, Duarte & Centeio - Sociedade de Advogados (ABCC), lauded as an ‘excellent local firm in Mozambique’, is renowned for its work in the banking and finance, energy, infrastructure, and mining fields. Founding partner Francisco Avillez advises financial institutions and major investment projects, and Oldivanda Bacar, leading the corporate, investment, and energy department, is notably active on mining and natural resources matters. Álvaro Duarte, the head of the banking, finance, and M&A practice, brings expertise in foreign investments, financial funding, and corporate restructuring. Meanwhile, Paulo Centeio manages the litigation, labour, and tax teams.
Praxisleiter:
Francisco Avillez; Oldivanda Bacar; Álvaro Duarte; Paulo Centeio
Referenzen
‘The team is always available and goes the extra mile to obtain the information requested, liaising with the authorities and making their input fundamental.’
‘Álvaro Duarte works very hard to accommodate the clients’ requests and is always available.’
‘ABCC is an excellent local firm in Mozambique. They have good lawyers and good local networks.’
Kernmandanten
JBIC/IFC
Millennium Bim
AgDevCo Limited
City Lodge Hotel Group
CTRG
Control Risks
Distell
BP
Textáfrica
World Education International
DHL
Dietsmann
BCI
Banco Terra
Safests
Zoona
Sky Net
Lenmed
Crookes Brothers
Startimes
Companhia do Sena
BT PLC Mozambique
Rank Enterprises
ZTE Corporation
GDA Advogados
As the exclusive member of VdA in Mozambique, GDA Advogados merges its international expertise with in-depth local market knowledge, providing comprehensive services to both international investors and local businesses across diverse sectors. The firm is led by founding partner Guilherme Daniel, who specialises in corporate, energy, natural resources, and infrastructure law, with a particular emphasis on the oil and gas industry. His team, including Lorna Guilande, Helna Vitoldás, and Kenny Laisse, brings expertise in the banking and finance, infrastructure, energy, and TMT sectors.
Praxisleiter:
Guilherme Daniel
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Lorna Guilande; Helna Vitoldás; Kenny Laisse
Referenzen
‘The team is structured, supportive and responds in a timely and effective manner to client requests.’
‘The friendliness and proficiency that everyone at their level dedicates to answering and resolving questions makes the difference and creates motivation.’
Kernmandanten
Standard Bank of South Africa
Mota- Engil, Engenharia e Construção África, S.A. (Mota-Engil África)
Exor Petroleum
Puma Energy Moçambique, Limitada
Aujan Group
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Standard Bank of South Africa, as lead arranger and bookrunner, on all Mozambican law matters related to the refinancing and syndication of the debt of Grit Real Estate Income Group Limited, a pan-African real estate company.
- Advised Mota-Engil África on the public tender for a concession under a public-private partnership regime, encompassing the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of toll motorways in Mozambique.
- Advised Puma on a transaction involving the carve-out of seven aviation fuel business units from a BP Group entity and the acquisition of BP’s entire share capital in a joint venture Mozambican entity (BP Aviation).
JLA ADVOGADOS
Specialising in projects and infrastructure, JLA ADVOGADOS is particularly active in the energy and finance spaces and frequently handles litigation and debt collection for leading banking sector clients. The firm collaborates closely with the Mozambique desk of Portuguese law firm Abreu Advogados, with managing partner Zara Jamal, who focuses on project finance, real estate, banking, and energy financing, leading the team. Supporting her are Edna Sacate in debt recovery and judicial matters, Absalão Mapanze in litigation and arbitration, and Deivid Sacur in public and labour law.
Praxisleiter:
Zara Jamal
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Edna Sacate; Absalão Mapanze; Deivid Sacur
Kernmandanten
HCB Mozambique
Limak Cimentos
Open Spiral, Sgps, Sa
Painhas Group
Portucel Mozambique
TOTAL
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised the French Development Agency on a financing operation for Hidroelétrica de Cahora Bassa S.A., the Mozambican company operating the Cahora Bassa Dam hydroelectric power plant, aimed at the “Vital Capex” programme for rehabilitating and modernising the dam’s electricity production system.
- Advised the senior creditors, including export credit agencies and the Africa Development Bank, on the financing and development of the Area 1 LNG project in Mozambique in the Rovuma Basin.
- Assisting Portucel Mozambique, which received two land use permissions from the Mozambican state, with establishing forestry plantations for industrial and commercial exploitation.
MDR Advogados
MDR Advogados specialises in key sectors, such as energy, natural resources, banking and finance, and insurance, assisting a diverse array of clients including state-owned corporations, multinational companies, international banks, and governments. Managing partner Tiago Arouca Mendes primarily advises foreign clients on restructuring, M&A, and financing operations in Mozambique, while founding partner Paula Duarte Rocha brings notable experience in banking, project finance, and transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The firm is an integral member of the Morais Leitão Legal Circle.
Praxisleiter:
Tiago Arouca Mendes; Paula Duarte Rocha
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Henrique Calvão Martins; Mónica Moti Guerra; Mara Rupia Lopes; Ana Berta Mazuze
Pimenta e Associados
Pimenta e Associados, working in close partnership with Lisbon-based Miranda & Associados, is active in sectors including oil and gas, energy, mining, and banking, primarily advising international investors on their projects and transactions in Mozambique. The firm is led by managing partner Paulo Pimenta, who oversees the tax and corporate practice. Daniela Carvalho heads the banking and finance, energy and projects, and corporate divisions, while António Veloso handles litigation and employment matters.
Praxisleiter:
Paulo Pimenta
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Daniela Carvalho; António Veloso
PLMJ
PLMJ, a full-service law firm and a member of PLMJ Colab, offers expertise in foreign investment, corporate and commercial, infrastructure, projects, concessions, and licensing mandates. The firm is led by managing partner Tomás Timbane, who specialises in litigation and international arbitration, with an active role in PPPs and the commercial aspects of energy, oil and gas, electricity, and mining matters. Natércia Sitoé brings experience in corporate and commercial issues, especially in relation to exports, international trade, and foreign investment. Amina Abdala focuses on public and private law, particularly public procurement, PPP, land, and regulatory issues, while Alfiado Pascoal is dedicated to civil, criminal, and employment litigation and arbitration.
Praxisleiter:
Tomás Timbane
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Natércia Sitoé; Amina Abdala; Alfiado Pascoal
Referenzen
‘The team is well prepared to deal with the Mozambican legal framework.’
‘Amina Abdala is an expert in national real estate and corporate law, and Alfiado Pascoal is one of the best attorneys in court.’
‘TTA is a spectacular office. We have nothing to complain about in terms of the speed and quality with which services are provided.’
Kernmandanten
Heineken Moçambique
Siemens Africa
Bolsa de Valores de Moçambique (Maputo Stock Exchange)
CFM – Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (The Ports and Railways Company of Mozambique)
Multichoice Africa Holdings B.V.
BCI – Banco Comercial & de Investimentos
ICVL – International Coal Ventures PVT LTD (Minas Benga)
FUNAE – Fundo de Energia
FNB – First National Bank
BIM – Banco Internacional de Moçambique
CTA – Confederação das Associações Económicas de Moçambique (Confederation of Economic Associations)
GIZ – German International Cooperation
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Multichoice Africa Holdings on corporate, investment, commercial contracts, employment and labour, regulatory and tax matters.
- Advising Siemens Africa on several matters, including employment and labour, corporate and commercial, and foreign investment law.
- Advised Auto Sueco on various legal aspects of its operations in Mozambique, including corporate, employment, commercial contracts, tax, regulatory, foreign investment, and foreign exchange matters.
HPF Advogados - AVM Legal Network Member
The ‘collaborative, knowledgeable and results-oriented’ team at HPF Advogados - AVM Legal Network Member specialises in foreign investment matters, guiding major corporations and multinationals through structuring and implementing projects in the local market. The firm’s expertise spans capital flows, cross-border funding, regulatory compliance, and forex licensing, as well as tax structuring, sector-specific licensing, and corporate establishment. Managed by Hélder Paulo Frechaut, an expert in banking, finance, insurance, and commercial law, the group benefits from Gisela Teresa’s experience in litigation, administrative law, tax, and labour matters.
Praxisleiter:
Hélder Paulo Frechaut
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Gisela Teresa
Referenzen
‘The team at HPF are very collaborative, knowledgeable and results-oriented.’
‘They are able to work with deadlines and keep to promises.’
‘The team are very professional and knowledgeable in their respective fields.’
Kernmandanten
ACCESS BANK Mozambique E S.A
Banco LETSHEGO S.A
Banco Nacional de Investimentos SA
MCD – Marulo, Comercio e Distribuição, Lda
Weco Bulk Asia pte Ltd
Eastern Multitrans Logistics Private Ltd.
Cicoti Lda
Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited
JCDECAUX S.A
AECOM S.A
PONTICELLI FRÈS GROUP
Nokia Solutions and Networks Branch Operations Mozambique
LEI & MNSV-Sociedade de Advogados
LEI & MNSV-Sociedade de Advogados covers a range of areas, including litigation, corporate, administrative, financial, and insurance law, catering to both domestic and international clients. Founding partner Lei Yang specialises in commercial, corporate, and investment matters, particularly in the mining sector. He leads the practice with Zaida Sultanegy, who brings expertise in commercial, public administration, and labour litigation to the table. Alberto Nkutumula focuses on cross-border criminal investigations and complex civil and regulatory matters, including criminal antitrust and fraud cases, while Alcides Nobela is experienced in customs, public finance, and tax law.
Praxisleiter:
Lei Yang; Zaida Sultanegy
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Alberto Nkutumula; Alcides Nobela; Carmen Ustá; Jair Seni
Kernmandanten
China Construction Corporation
Juren Mining
Synohydro Corporation
GPL Sunking Mozambique Lda
China State Construction Engineering-CSCEC
Mutarara Resources
Refrigerantes SPAR, Limitada
FABEROL, SA
Cen Serve Transportes,Lda
Ruijian Housing Construction
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Mozam Mineração on a public tender, which resulted in being awarded a 1M USD mining concession by the INAMI (National Mineral Institute).
- Advised China State Construction Engineering (CSCEC) on various internal and external matters for a construction project in Mozambique worth nearly 100M USD, including handling its legal constitution in Mozambique, tax planning structure, employment contracts, and leading negotiations with subcontractors.
- Advised Ruijian Housing Construction on a credit recovery case.