Gide, the leading business law firm in francophone Africa

For the fourth consecutive year, Gide has been named “Law Firm of the Year” in the 100 Legal Powerlist 2025, published by Africa Business+. This latest recognition confirms Gide’s position as a leading business law firm in Francophone Africa.

10 Gide Lawyers Among the 100 Most Influential

As in 2024, Gide is the most represented law firm in the ranking, with ten lawyers recognised. This result highlights the strength of our presence on the continent and the breadth of our expertise in handling complex, high-stakes matters. Our teams are particularly active in mergers and acquisitions, large-scale financings, and major infrastructure and energy projects.

Victor Grandguillaume, partner, is ranked 3rd overall for the third consecutive year and has been named Lawyer of the Year – Projects. He advises on some of the most significant infrastructure and energy projects across the continent.

Julien David, partner, is ranked 22nd and has been awarded the M&A Lawyer of the Year prize in recognition of his role in a wide range of major acquisition and disposal transactions across multiple African jurisdictions.

Recognised Expertise in M&A and Financing

Among the other Gide lawyers recognised for their work in M&A are Simon Auquier, Anis Jabnoun, and Chloé Joachim de Larivière. Their recent mandates include advising Crédit Agricole, Votorantim Cimentos, the shareholders of Afric-Phar, Danone, Daimler, Servier, MSC and Club Med.

Strong Presence on Landmark Projects Across Africa

Chen Xi, based in Shanghai, supports major Chinese investors across Africa, particularly in the mining and infrastructure sectors. These are also key areas of focus for Marie Bouvet-Guiramand, who advised Eramet on the financing of the Transgabonais railway and the IFC on the Dakar BRT project.

A Strategic Local Footprint

Our presence in Casablanca, Algiers and Tunis enables us to advise major players across the region at every stage, from project structuring and corporate law to M&A and disputes.

In Morocco, Wacef Bentaibi, co-head of the Casablanca office, has recently advised BCP as well as energy companies Engie and Chariot.

In Algiers, Samy Laghouati has built a strong client base in the oil & gas sector (Sonatrach, Eni, Sinopec) and beyond (Accor, BNP Paribas, Nestlé).

A Pan-African Practice Backed by Brussels

From Brussels, Ségolène Pelsy leads a well-established competition law practice, with a focus on regulatory matters affecting African markets.

This recognition reflects the continued commitment of our teams to supporting clients on some of the most strategic and high-impact matters across the African continent.