Africa Focus: Autumn 2018

We are pleased to introduce the third edition of Africa Focus. We are thrilled with this edition, which features six different topics that go to the heart of existing challenges and opportunities on the African continent.

Continuing a theme we began in previous issues of Africa Focus reviewing alternative ways to finance projects, we discuss "Islamic Finance in Africa" as an increasingly popular option for investors. "Powering Africa: The LNG gas-to-power option" looks specifically at the energy sector and the appeal of LNG gas-to-power projects in Africa, while "Renewable energy in Africa in the era of climate change" examines the enormous potential for renewable energy on the continent. In "Mozambique: Beyond mining," our team covers economic diversification through resource-based infrastructure by exploring progress to date in Mozambique and how the country is opening up its mining logistics infrastructure to drive diversification of its economy. "Business and human rights in Africa" presents the hugely important topic of the need for investors in African countries to be conscious of a growing focus on human rights. In addition, "The long arm of the law: Bribery and corruption enforcement investigations" discusses challenges that both individuals and companies doing business in Africa face in the form of the risks around bribery and corruption.

Many of these topics were highlighted during UK Prime Minister Theresa May's recent trip to Africa. White & Case was proud to have our partner Josh Siaw accompany the Prime Minister on this week-long trip, which included visits to South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya. Josh was the only representative from a law firm to be a part of the Prime Minister's traveling party, and allowed us to gain useful insights into key political and business issues raised during the trip's discussions. Linking to some of the themes we cover in this third edition of Africa Focus, strong topics that emerged during the trip included partnerships, how collaboration is essential for successful investment opportunities and the deep interest among investors in exploring different ways to finance projects on the continent. Josh also reported back on the strong link—repeatedly discussed through the week—between aid and trade, as well as the importance of achieving a healthy balance that brings benefits to all. Josh will expand on some of the themes from the visit in our next issue.

We hope you enjoy reading Africa Focus, and please let us know if there are topics or issues you would like us to cover in future editions.