Energy law

The energy landscape across the 17 OHADA member states is evolving rapidly. From the hydrocarbon hubs of the Gulf of Guinea to the massive hydroelectric potential of Central Africa and the solar initiatives in the Sahel, the region presents immense opportunities.

Maaron Law Firm offers end-to-end legal support for the energy lifecycle across West and Central Africa. We combine deep mastery of OHADA Uniform Acts with specific national energy regulations, advising developers, lenders, governments, and operators on their most critical projects.

1. Project Development & Finance

Structuring bankable projects under the OHADA framework.

Structuring & Financing : We assist in the legal structuring of complex energy projects (SPVs, Joint Ventures) using the OHADA Uniform Act on Commercial Companies.
Project Finance & Security : We draft security packages (mortgages, pledges, assignments) that are strictly compliant with the OHADA Uniform Act on Securities, ensuring enforceability for international lenders.
Key Agreements : Drafting and negotiating Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Concession Agreements, and Government guarantees tailored to the specific jurisdiction.

2. Oil & Gas (Upstream, Midstream, Downstream)

Navigating the region's hydrocarbon sectors.

Exploration & Production : Advising on licensing, Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), and Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs) in major producing nations (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, etc.).
Regulatory Compliance : Ensuring strict adherence to local content laws and environmental regulations in each member state.
Supply Chain : Drafting agreements for oilfield services and equipment supply, ensuring compliance with OHADA general commercial law.

3. Energy Transition & Renewables

Leading the shift toward a sustainable energy mix.

Renewable Energy Projects : Legal support for Solar, Wind, Hydroelectric, and Biomass projects. We navigate the specific investment codes and tax incentives available for green energy across the zone.
Civil Nuclear Energy : Providing forward-thinking counsel on the regulatory frameworks for civil nuclear power, focusing on safety standards and liability regimes.
ESG & Sustainability : Advising on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria and Green Bonds issuance within the regional financial markets.

4. Regulatory Affairs & Compliance

Your shield in a complex multi-jurisdictional environment.

Licensing & Advocacy : We assist clients in obtaining and maintaining generation, transmission, and distribution licenses from national regulators.
Impact Assessments : Assessing the legal impact of new national regulations on your existing assets.
Government Relations : Representing clients in negotiations before ministries and regulatory bodies in various OHADA countries.

5. Dispute Resolution & Litigation

Protecting your assets when conflicts arise.

OHADA Arbitration : Representing clients in arbitration proceedings under the CCJA (Common Court of Justice and Arbitration) rules, which are specific to the OHADA zone.
International Arbitration : Handling disputes in international venues (ICC, LCIA) related to energy contracts.
Complex Fraud (IFG) : As a member of the International Fraud Group, we are uniquely positioned to handle disputes involving high-stakes fraud or asset misappropriation in major energy joint ventures across the region.

Why Maaron Law Firm for Energy in OHADA?

Uniform Legal Expertise : We master the OHADA Uniform Acts that govern business across 17 countries. This allows us to replicate successful legal structures for clients expanding from one OHADA country to another (e.g., from Cameroon to Côte d'Ivoire).
Global Reach : Through Legalink, we bring international experts to the table for specialized technical issues, while ensuring local compliance.
Commercial Focus : We understand the unique challenges of doing business in West and Central Africa and find commercial pathways to get your project built.

Ready to energize your project? Contact our dedicated Energy Team today.

Phone : +237 680 351 225
Email : contact@maaronlawfirm.com