Practice

Projects & Project Financing

Infrastructure and energy projects are at the heart of the challenges of sustainable development, the energy transition, and economic growth.

These projects, which are often complex and involve cross-border issues, require innovative legal solutions tailored to the specific features of each sector and country, both in terms of investment and financing structuring and in the operational aspects of their implementation.

Our dedicated team is recognised as one of the most experienced in the market. Our team is capable of handling all legal and tax aspects throughout the life of the project, whether in its design, financing, execution, operation, or during strategic stages such as restructuring, refinancing, divestment, or termination, as well as in any resulting litigation or arbitration.

We operate across the world in the infrastructure, energy (thermal, renewable, and nuclear), natural resources (mining, oil, gas), defense, aerospace, and space sectors. Our team, which regularly contributes to the development of regulatory frameworks, has an excellent knowledge of the markets in which it operates, particularly in Africa, via its offices and partners located throughout the continent.

We advise all stakeholders involved in projects: public authorities, sponsors, developers, investment funds, banks, international financial institutions, and others.

Areas of intervention

  • We assist with all types of infrastructure (roads, ports, airports, railway lines, public facilities) and contractual frameworks (PPP, concessions, public contracts, energy performance contracts). We support our clients in structuring, negotiating, and monitoring projects, as well as managing risks and disputes.

  • We offer financing solutions and are involved at all stages of project financing operations, whether public, private, or in partnership: transaction structuring, drafting and negotiating financing documentation, selecting and setting up project-appropriate guarantees, executing contracts, and refinancing or restructuring existing arrangements.

  • We advise our clients on all legal aspects of projects related to the production, transport, distribution, and consumption of energy, whether renewable, conventional, or nuclear. Our team is also involved in mining, oil, and gas projects, including exploration, extraction, refining, storage, and commercialisation.

  • We assist our clients in the defense, aeronautics, and space sectors, covering contractual, regulatory, financial, and litigation aspects. Our team is involved in development, design, construction, maintenance and operational readiness, modernisation, and sales of civil or military equipment, systems, and installations, as well as security, export control, intellectual property, and liability issues.

  • We work closely with government authorities in France and abroad, providing tailored legal advice and ensuring that the policies implemented are not only at the forefront of innovation, but also environmentally responsible.

  • We advise our clients on mergers and acquisitions related to projects, whether it involves acquisitions or divestments of assets or stakes in projects, portfolios, or platforms, fundraising, and more. We assist them with the legal, financial, tax, and regulatory aspects of transactions, as well as due diligence, negotiations, and implementation.

  • We assist large industrial groups in adapting their production models to new environmental realities. Our approach aims to help these entities measure and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the development of carbon sinks. We also support innovative companies developing new modes of production and consumption, as well as new avenues for emission reduction or compensation.

Awards

  • 100 Legal Powerlist & Africa Business Plus 2025

    Law Firm of the Year

    Pour la quatrième année consécutive, Gide est reconnu "Law Firm of the Year" dans le classement 100 Legal Powerlist 2025, publié par Africa Business+. Cette nouvelle distinction confirme l'ancrage de Gide comme acteur de référence du droit des affaires en Afrique francophone.

  • Chambers Global - Africa-Wide 2025

    Projects & Energy: International: Foreign Expert for Africa-Wide

    Spotlight

    Gide's well-regarded department has strong domestic and global activity, with a particular presence in Africa.

  • Chambers Global - Africa-wide 2025

    Corporate/Commercial: OHADA Specialists

    Band 1

    Gide is definitely a specialised law firm with extensive knowledge across the African continent and experience in dealing with governments." "The team brings attention to detail, understanding of local market standards and dynamics, and good communication."

  • Legal 500 EMEA - France 2025

    Project Finance

    Tier 1

    Experts with good track record in renewable assets financing, excellent regulatory practice, good teamwork.

  • Jeune Afrique & Africa Business Plus 2024

    Law Firm of the Year

    Très heureux d’avoir été distingués « Law Firm of the Year » en 2024 pour la quatrième fois par le classement Jeune Afrique et Africa Business Plus. Ce classement de référence en Afrique francophone reconnaît 10 de nos avocats dans le top 100 des avocats d’affaires les plus influents en Afrique Francophone.

  • Chambers Global/France 2025

    Projects & Energy: International

    Band 1

    Gide showed unparalleled dedication and responsiveness, providing timely and strategic legal advice that was instrumental in advancing our project.

  • Chambers France 2025

    Projects & Energy: Domestic

    Band 2

    Gide showed unparalleled dedication and responsiveness, providing timely and strategic legal advice that was instrumental in advancing our project." "The team has good adaptability to handle complex and innovative matters.

  • Legal 500 EMEA - Morocco 2025

    Projects & Public Law

    Tier 1

    Gide positions itself as a strategic partner to help clients navigate regulatory challenges, mitigate risks, and capitalize on opportunities.

  • Chambers Global - Africa-Wide 2025

    Projects & Energy: Power

    Band 2

    We are very happy with Gide's work. The analysis and research is very thorough, and how they present it is very clear and easy to follow. They clearly identify the main issues needing to be addressed.

  • Chambers Global - Africa-Wide 2025

    Projects & Energy

    Band 2

    Gide demonstrates exceptional expertise in navigating the complex regulatory environments across multiple African jurisdictions.

  • Legal 500 Asia Pacific - China 2025

    Projects & Energy: Foreign Firms

    Tier 4

    With deep experience handling matters related to natural resources projects, Gide is a top choice for contractors, sponsors, lenders, governments seeking assistance with major infrastructure and energy projects.

  • IFLR1000 - France 2024

    Project Development

    Tier 2

    Gide is recognised in the following practice : Project Development.

  • IFLR1000 - France 2024

    Banking & Finance

    Tier 2

    Gide is recognised in the following practice : Project Finance.

  • IFLR1000 - Algeria 2024

    Project Development

    Tier 1

    Gide is recognised in the following practice : Project Development.

  • IFLR1000 - Poland 2024

    Project Development

    Tier 3

    Gide is recognised in the following practice : Project Development.

  • IFLR1000 - China 2024

    Project Development

    Tier 3

    Gide is recognised in the following practice : Project Development - Foreign.

  • IFLR1000 - Poland 2024

    Banking & Finance

    Tier 4

    Gide is recognised in the following practice : Project Finance.

  • IFLR1000 - Morocco 2024

    Project Development

    Active

    Gide is recognised in the following practice : Project Development.