McKinsey state that “Sub-Saharan Africa will need 8 x more fertilizer, 6 x more improved seed, at least USD 8 billion of investment in basic storage and as much as USD 65 billion in irrigation to fulfil its agricultural promise.” The opportunities are huge.
Growth in the agriculture sector underpins the continent’s economic development. It is key to many of the continent’s economies and is essential for domestic food security and sustainability. Africa has seen the greatest urban population growth in the world and African cities now provide its largest and most rapidly growing agricultural markets.
Our expertise includes restructuring, IPOs, acquisitions and regulatory laws. Our lawyers understand the complexity of agricultural and land laws and we work with a diverse range of clients, from multinational corporations to local organisations assisting small-scale farming across African nations.
Representative transactions include advising:
A partnership co-convened by the African Union Commission, in connection with their development of a pilot agricultural supply chain initiative to assist small-scale farms in Tanzania.
The largest cut flower grower and distributor in the world, in connection with their setting up of a flower farm in Kenya.
A real estate investment company, in connection with its acquisition of 80% of the shares of Ethiopian Magical Farm, a well-known horticultural company.
An innovative public-private partnership dedicated to uplifting Africa’s agricultural potential for the benefit of the poor, in connection with the provision of a loan facility to Chase Bank (Kenya) for USD 10 million.
A leading regional agribusiness company, in connection with their listing on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange, raising USD 65 million.
A manufacturer of agricultural, construction and forestry machinery, in connection with their acquisition of Written Group Holding.