Press release

Gide’s African Debt taskforce

Against the backdrop of the Covid-19-induced economic crisis, a number of calls were voiced, French President Emmanuel Macron among them, to reduce the weight of African public debt. Gide has been long involved in matters on the African continent, and backs this historic measure in several ways:

  • by organising a cycle of webinars dedicated to African public debt, bringing together African and European economic, financial and legal experts, to brainstorm and share ideas with those who wish to take part in our initiative;
  • by integrating into our Pro Bono programme the support of African states who so wish, in order to aid them in the negotiations they may have with their creditors and the implementation of potential cancellation measures;
  • by setting up the first think tank dedicated to African debt.

This wide-ranging approach was initiated by partner Nicolas Jean of our firm’s Projects (Finance & Infrastructure) practice group, who specialises as advisor to governments and public authorities in French-speaking Africa.

An African Debt Taskforce has been set up, together with three partners, two counsels and twelve associates from Gide’s Projects (Finance & Infrastructure) and Banking & Finance practice groups.

Driven by our long-standing values of commitment and innovation, the African Debt taskforce has established “A new ROAD: A New Round-Table On African Debt“, the first Think Tank dedicated to African debt. Designed as a cross-disciplinary and international platform, A new ROAD brings together decision-makers, institutions, commercial banks and private operators as well as financial and legal experts to offer innovative solutions regarding the sustainability of African debt and the development of foreign investment.

As a major player on the continent for over 40 years, Gide advises a number of governments, international institutions and foreign investors on privatisations, mergers and acquisitions, legal and regulatory reforms, granting concessions/licences, implementing public-private partnerships, financing infrastructure projects and resolving international disputes. Our in-depth knowledge of various legal systems, as well as of national and regional regimes, enables us to act as counsel on the policies and objectives of regional associations, such as ECOWAS, CEMAC, WAEMU, SADC and OHADA. Our African Debt Taskforce enjoys the support of all of Gide’s teams.

Our African Debt webinars

>> Webinar #1 | “African public debt” on 28 April 2020 |  Click here to find out more; the replay (in French) is available below:

>> Webinar #2 | “African public debt: new roles, new challenges for the African Union” on 19 May 2020.

>> Webinar #3 | “African public debt: what impacts on project financing?”, on 12 June 2020 | The replay (in French) is available below: