Leading international African law firm Bowmans has been recognised for its understanding of Africa, the African agenda and key sectors of opportunity. At the 2024 African Legal Awards (ALA) ceremony held in Johannesburg on Friday 6 September, the firm won seven prestigious awards, including the overall African Law Firm of the Year Award.

Bowmans’ chairman and senior partner, Ezra Davids, says, ‘We are very proud of this recognition of our commitment to Africa and our position as the pre-eminent law firm on the continent. It’s a testament to the value of our ‘one firm’ strategy and approach to growing sustainably in support of our clients.’

In winning the overall African Law Firm of the Year Award, Bowmans stood out, not only for the size and complexity of the matters on which it advised in the past year but also for its leadership, growth, client-centred innovations, people development and pro bono contributions.

Ryan Wessels, based in Johannesburg, was named South African Partner of the Year. Known for his legal and business knowledge and ability to provide strategic guidance, Wessels was lead partner in some of the most significant African M&A transactions of 2023, including a ZAR 6.75-billion private equity transaction in the telecommunications sector.

Wessels says, ‘I'm grateful for this recognition, which reflects not only my efforts, but the collective expertise and dedication of our entire team. Leading the teams on complex and impactful transactions over the past few years has been a rewarding challenge. I remain committed to delivering strategic guidance that drives desired outcomes for our clients across the continent.’

The Private Practice Rising Star Award went to Ariana Issaias, who is based in Bowmans Nairobi office. She is known for her cutting-edge knowledge of legal developments in the IP and technology field, including fintech and artificial intelligence. In November 2023, she was honoured in the inaugural edition of Africa’s Business Heroes 100 Awards, singling out 100 outstanding individuals to grow the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Issaias says, ‘I am honoured by this recognition. It reflects not only my achievements but also the exciting developments in the IP and technology fields, particularly in areas like fintech and artificial intelligence, where innovation is shaping the future at a rapid pace. I am grateful to be part of a firm that values forward-thinking.’

Sustainability and innovation were key components of Bowmans’ success at the 2024 African Legal Awards.

The firm won the Banking and Finance Team of the Year Award for advising a major South African bank on its USD 80-million principle-aligned nature conservation financing package to a leading Africa-based conservation and hospitality company operating across the continent. This was a trailblazing financing deal for Africa, with bespoke terms being required to comprehensively capture the unique nature of the financing.

In the East African renewable energy sector, Bowmans took home the Private Equity Team of the Year Award for advising Mauritian and French investors on the acquisition of a majority stake in one of the largest commercial and industrial solar operators in the region. The Mauritian client described this as a significant opportunity to deepen its presence in the African market.

The firm’s strength in the renewable energy sector came to the fore again in the Property and Construction Team of the Year category. The winning transaction was a ZAR 4-billion project to develop what is expected to become the largest hybrid renewable energy facility in South Africa, harnessing mostly wind but also solar energy sources. This is part of the client’s energy transition strategy.

Last but not least, Bowmans took home the Restructuring Team of the Year Award for its role in restructuring the debt package of the largest packaging group in Africa, which negotiation formed part of a larger capital and operational restructure. The firm acted as lead counsel for the lenders under a ZAR and USD syndicated revolving credit facility, comprising financial institutions in South Africa, the Isle of Man and the State of New York. The debt restructuring has been described as an ‘epic undertaking’.

Thanking the ALA for acknowledging Bowmans’ impact on the African legal market, Davids said the firm was proud to be working with clients who are investing in growing the continent’s economies. ‘We are privileged to work with our clients to overcome legal complexity and unlock opportunity. We thank them for entrusting us to help them achieve their aspirations in Africa. Thanks also to the African Legal Awards for recognising our contribution.’