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Doing business in Africa brings vast opportunities and unique challenges. Covington’s Africa practice has unparalleled experience working with companies across sectors, helping them navigate the risks of Africa and achieve their business objectives on the continent. Our team includes attorneys and advisors with experience working internationally at senior levels of government and an ability to craft successful outcomes and practical solutions to the most demanding policy, legal, and regulatory challenges. Our Johannesburg office also provides on-the-ground resources for clients in the region and abroad.
Our experience across the continent includes advising clients on market entry strategies, investments, arbitrations, investigations, and trade controls compliance, among other areas. Our clients include companies in a range of sectors, including in the oil and gas, mining, energy, agriculture, software, telecommunications, aviation and financial institutions industries, as well as sovereign states.
We count many former high-level government officials amongst our ranks. Witney Schneidman, a former senior State Department official with more than 30 years of experience in Africa, oversees Covington’s Africa practice. In his role as senior international advisor for Africa, Dr. Schneidman uses his extensive experience with African issues to help companies capture opportunities and navigate challenges to achieve their business goals.
Alan Larson, a senior international advisor in our Washington office, previously served as Under Secretary of State for Economics and Ambassador to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). He provides clients operating in the African market with strategic advice, counseling and representation at the intersection of international business and public policy.
Ambassador Jean de Ruyt in our Brussels office previously served as the Permanent Representative of Belgium to the European Union. During his career, Ambassador De Ruyt had close dealings with rebuilding peace in central Africa.
Resolving disputes
Assisted a Korean state company involved in legal battles and protracted negotiations over a multi-billion dollar project development. When negotiations failed and parties refused to turn up to the table, Covington stepped in to help the company reconvene the parties and move forward on negotiating an amicable resolution.
Agricultural manufacturer global relationship building
We assisted one of the world’s largest manufacturers of agricultural equipment in establishing and strengthening relationships with key constituencies in the United States, Africa, and South America, including with relevant government officials and international NGOs. With our knowledge of global development programs and agricultural initiatives, we helped identify future markets and consumers through relationships with U.S. and non-U.S. government officials as well as international NGOs.
FCPA investigation for major oil and gas company
Represented Hyperdynamics Corporation in an FCPA investigation by the Department of Justice related to its business activities in the Republic of Guinea. The matter was resolved without any charges being brought against the company.
Development of corporate responsibility programs
Advised an oilfield services company on the design and implementation of a corporate responsibility program for its Angolan operations following an FCPA enforcement action.
International procurement capacity building
Through the United Nations Development Program, the International Senior Lawyers Project, and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program, we provide procurement law expertise and training to senior procurement officials of foreign governments including Liberia, Iraq, and Afghanistan to help those countries build capacity for conducting predictable and transparent procurements. This experience allows us to provide specific, knowledgeable advice to clients wishing to pursue procurements conducted by foreign governments.
Iran and Sudan Sanctions Advice
Secured export licenses enabling leading pharmaceutical companies to sell millions of dollars’ worth of medical products to Iran and Sudan, and permitting consumer products companies to export agricultural commodities to those countries.
KBR Nigerian bribery investigation
Representing an executive of KBR, Halliburton’s subsidiary, in a wide-ranging investigation into alleged bribery of Nigerian government officials in connection with the selection of the company to build one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas projects.
Libya and Syria sanctions advice
Advised companies regarding U.S. and EU sanctions on the Qaddafi regime in Libya and the Assad regime in Syria, including obtaining licenses to permit certain ongoing business activities in Libya.
Advising Consortium of German Automotive Companies
Advising a consortium of German automotive companies on the promotion of their technology platform to policy-makers and thought leaders in South Africa, including organizing a panel discussion designed to foster increased public-private collaboration with respect to autonomous technologies.
American Airlines in Technology Services Agreements
Represented American Airlines in a software development and outsourced technology services agreement with HP for a next generation reservation, inventory, and availability system.
American Airlines Passenger Service System Contracts
Represented American Airlines in information technology services agreements with Amadeus, Sabre, HP, and ITA Software.
Advice on removing discriminatory regulatory barriers
Advised a client in its international efforts to remove discriminatory regulatory barriers threatening to keep its product from the market in South Africa, the EU, India, and elsewhere.
Contract and Treaty Law Dispute Against African Government
Representing one of the world’s largest mining companies in a contract and treaty law dispute against an African government relating to the violation of stabilization and other comments in a development agreement and related acts of indirect expropriation.
Policy advice in South Africa
We assisted a large trade association engage with the South African government on a number of issues, including IP and other issues related to the life sciences sector.
Developing a corporate responsibility program
We assisted a pharmaceutical company on assessing which NGOs they should consider working with in Kenya to implement a corporate responsibility program aimed at improving public health.
Hydroelectric Project Development in Congo
Advising African Power Corporation on development of a hydroelectric project in the Republic of Congo.
OCP SA in Commercial, Strategy, and Prospective Investments
Advising OCP S.A. in all aspects of its commercial and strategy and its prospective investments in North Africa, Latin America, Europe, U.S. and Turkey by means of joint ventures, equity and mergers and acquisitions.
UBS Commodities Index Services Agreement with Bloomberg
Represented UBS in the negotiation of a new long-term services agreement with Bloomberg for the calculation and administration of commodities indices.
Telehealth IT System Development
Represented a major global pharmaceutical company on negotiating arrangements with multiple suppliers for the development and operation of a complex state-of-the-art telehealth IT system.
Mitigating the impact of the Ebola crisis on operations in Africa
We advised an asset management firm on mitigating the impact of the Ebola crisis on its operations in Liberia.
Multi-billion dollar ICC arbitration
Representation of a European gas utility company in a large ICC arbitration valued over US$2 billion against a North African state-owned oil company relating to a complex contract price revision dispute.
Navigating regulatory challenges for international investments
We advised a young exploration and production company on mitigating above-ground risk, preserving $4 billion in value in a Western African company, and navigating legal and policy issues surrounding hydrocarbon exploration and development in a non-self-governing territory.
Newsgathering Issues Tied to Undercover Documentary Filmed in Europe and Africa
Advised on news gathering issues in relation to an undercover documentary being filmed in Europe and Africa.
Nigerian IP policy
We advised a large trade association with respect to the Nigerian position on an IP issue before the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Representation of the Kingdom of Jordan in securing dismissal of ICSID denial of justice claims
Representation of the Kingdom of Jordan in securing dismissal of ICSID denial of justice claims brought by a Turkish contractor relating to the collapse of a dike in the Dead Sea. In its award, the tribunal went on to state that, even if there had been jurisdiction, it was “unconvinced” by claimant’s denial of justice claim.
State of Eritrea's boundary dispute with Ethiopia
Represented the State of Eritrea in the successful resolution of its boundary dispute with Ethiopia. We advised Eritrea during the negotiations that produced the December 2000 agreement ending the two-year Eritrea-Ethiopia border war. Covington then represented Eritrea before the commission established to delimit and demarcate the boundary between the two countries. This representation included preparation of arbitral memorials as well as participation in oral hearings before the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission in The Hague. The Commission delivered its delimitation decision on April 13, 2002. We continue to represent Eritrea in connection with the demarcation process.
Telkom SA former South African state telecommunications company
In successfully resisting U.S. enforcement of one of the largest ICC awards in recent years, following an arbitration handled by other counsel. 458 F.3d. 172 (3d Cir. 2006).
Oil and Gas Project in Africa
An energy company on an oil and gas project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Dismissal of Severance Claims Asserted in Africa
Representation of a government contractor client sued in Rwanda by a former employee; obtained dismissal of all claims with no payment by client.
Young African Leaders Initiative
We assisted Microsoft Corporation in its establishment as a founding implementing partner to the Young African Leaders Initiative, one of the Obama administration’s flagship initiatives in Africa.
Financing and Policy Counsel for African Solar Projects
Gigawatt Global d/b/a Energiya Global on policy and financing issues relating to development of solar projects in Africa, initially in Rwanda and Nigeria.
March 2021
As the legal, regulatory, and commercial implications of coronavirus COVID-19 continue to evolve, our lawyers and advisors are helping clients navigate the complex considerations that companies around the world are facing and develop plans and strategies in response. Reach out to our COVID-19 task force at COVID19@cov.com. Below is a compendium of resources ...
January 28, 2021, Global Policy Watch
Can African governments head off a sustained spike in the spread of COVID-19 and recover economically in 2021? How will the Biden administration engage the continent? Will companies implement more effective due diligence efforts in their supply chains to prevent human rights abuses? What impact will efforts to battle corruption and mitigate climate change ...
January 28, 2021, Cov Africa
Can African governments head off a sustained spike in the spread of COVID-19 and recover economically in 2021? How will the Biden administration engage the continent? Will companies implement more effective due diligence efforts in their supply chains to prevent human rights abuses? What impact will efforts to battle corruption and mitigate climate change ...
January 25, 2021, PodBean
Ben Haley appeared on the ARC Insider podcast to share his insights on the impact of the U.S. Presidential election on Africa.
Winter 2021, Covington Alert
As we noted in a recent client advisory, we have observed an upward trend in recent years in anti-corruption enforcement activity in Africa, including cross-border cooperation between African law enforcement authorities and their counterparts in the U.S. and UK. Looking ahead to 2021 and beyond, we see no reason to expect this trend to reverse. While 2020 did ...
November 11, 2020
How will the election of Joe Biden as the next U.S. President affect policy towards Africa? On November 11, 2020, our panel of experts discussed whether the change in administration will result in fundamental and substantive changes in U.S. foreign policy towards Africa. The panelists tackled a broad range of issues ranging from the presidential election, public ...
Advice on International Compliance With US Laws
October 27, 2020, Fraud Today
Ben Haley spoke with Information Security Media Group about international compliance with US compliance laws. In the interview, Ben discusses implementing compliance programs, the impacts of DOJ guidance, and how the guidance might impact compliance practitioners.
October 21, 2020, Cov Africa
Recently, there has been a significant level of attention given to data protection and privacy matters on the Continent, and in the just the past year, we have seen new laws proposed or enacted in places like Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and of course South Africa, although prior to that, places like Morocco, Ghana and Mali...… Continue Reading
October 12, 2020, Global Policy Watch
On June 22, 2020, the South African President announced that certain provisions of POPIA would take effect on July 1, provisions which most regard as essential to the statute, such as those imposing conditions on the lawful processing of personal information, procedures for handling complaints, and general enforcement provisions. Only days later, the South ...
October 12, 2020, Global Policy Watch
A growing number of African countries have begun to ease COVID-19 related regulatory restrictions. Some countries, such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Senegal resumed international flights in August, while other countries like South Africa and Nigeria are only now opening their borders. For a continent that slipped into recession for the first time in a quarter...… ...
October 12, 2020, Cov Africa
A growing number of African countries have begun to ease COVID-19 related regulatory restrictions. Some countries, such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Senegal resumed international flights in August, while other countries like South Africa and Nigeria are only now opening their borders. For a continent that slipped into recession for the first time in a quarter...… ...
October 12, 2020, Cov Africa
On June 22, 2020, the South African President announced that certain provisions of POPIA would take effect on July 1, provisions which most regard as essential to the statute, such as those imposing conditions on the lawful processing of personal information, procedures for handling complaints, and general enforcement provisions. Only days later, the South ...
September 28, 2020, Global Policy Watch
On September 16, 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa would move from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1 of Risk Adjusted Strategy as of midnight on September 20, 2020. This is in part in response to the relatively low levels of infections and the government led interventions to combat the spread of...… Continue Reading
September 25, 2020, Cov Africa
South Africa Eases COVID-19 Restrictions On September 16, 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa would move from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1 of Risk Adjusted Strategy as of midnight on September 20, 2020. This is in part in response to the relatively low levels of infections and the government led interventions...… Continue Reading
September 16, 2020, Global Policy Watch
In a recent client alert, we explored the U.S. Department of Justice’s (“DOJ”) June 2020 update to its guidance on Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs (the “DOJ Guidance”). In this series of posts, our Africa Anti-Corruption Practice will be focusing on the key takeaways from the DOJ Guidance through the lens of companies operating in...… Continue Reading
September 16, 2020, Cov Africa
In a recent client alert, we explored the U.S. Department of Justice’s (“DOJ”) June 2020 update to its guidance on Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs (the “DOJ Guidance”). In this series of posts, our Africa Anti-Corruption Practice will be focusing on the key takeaways from the DOJ Guidance through the lens of companies operating in...… Continue Reading
Navigating Cross-Border ABC Landmines: Subsidiary, Board and Employee Misconduct
September 9, 2020
Covington partner and chair of the Africa Anti-Corruption Practice, Ben Haley participated in an interactive webinar on “Navigating Cross-Border ABC Landmines: Subsidiary, Board and Employee Misconduct” hosted by the Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie firm's Investigations, Compliance and Ethics (ICE) team. To access the recording, please click here.
September 8, 2020, Global Policy Watch
In a recent contribution to the CovAfrica blog, our Africa Anti-Corruption Practice outlined key considerations for handling internal investigations in Africa. Here we take a deeper dive into one of the most important, and challenging, aspects of internal investigations – remediation, drawing on a longer article we recently published in Global Investigations ...
September 8, 2020, Cov Africa
In a recent contribution to the CovAfrica blog, our Africa Anti-Corruption Practice outlined key considerations for handling internal investigations in Africa. Here we take a deeper dive into one of the most important, and challenging, aspects of internal investigations – remediation, drawing on a longer article we recently published in Global Investigations ...
September 2, 2020, Anti-Corruption Report
Ben Haley is quoted in the Anti-Corruption Report regarding the increased wave of whistleblower complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Haley says, “A company that operates in the U.S., Europe, Africa and Asia could be subject to potentially 30 or 40 different regimes. Just because a company must provide feedback in one country does not mean that companies ...
August 19, 2020, Global Policy Watch
On August 15, 2020, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) announced the extension of the national state of disaster. The national state of disaster was declared under Government Gazette No 43096 of 15 March 2020 (and extended by Government Gazette Nos 646 of June 5, 2020 and 765 of July 13, 2020),...… Continue Reading
August 18, 2020, Cov Africa
On August 15, 2020, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) announced the extension of the national state of disaster. The national state of disaster was declared under Government Gazette No 43096 of 15 March 2020 (and extended by Government Gazette Nos 646 of June 5, 2020 and 765 of July 13, 2020),...… Continue Reading
August 6, 2020, Global Policy Watch
As project finance becomes more widespread in Africa, government officials, bankers and developers will all become exposed to the complex documentation that comes with it. Some of the payment mechanisms can be very complicated and lawyers are often asked to include “worked examples” in the documentation. A recent case looked at the use of worked...… Continue ...
August 6, 2020, Global Investigations Review
Benjamin Haley and Ahmed Mokdad are quoted in Global Investigations Review regarding a change to South Africa’s evidence-sharing rule to aid corruption investigations. Mr. Haley says a defendant in a criminal case could potentially raise due process concerns about how the commission had obtained its evidence. Mr. Mokdad adds that a rule change also allows ...
August 5, 2020, Cov Africa
As project finance becomes more widespread in Africa, government officials, bankers and developers will all become exposed to the complex documentation that comes with it. Some of the payment mechanisms can be very complicated and lawyers are often asked to include “worked examples” in the documentation. A recent case looked at the use of worked...… Continue ...
July 24, 2020, Global Policy Watch
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on June 22, 2020, that certain sections of the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act 4 of 2013) (“POPIA”) would become effective on July 1, 2020. POPIA gives effect to the right to privacy in section 14 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of...… Continue Reading
July 24, 2020, Cov Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on June 22, 2020, that certain sections of the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act 4 of 2013) (“POPIA”) would become effective on July 1, 2020. POPIA gives effect to the right to privacy in section 14 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of...… Continue Reading
June 29, 2020, Global Policy Watch
On June 17, 2020 South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced government’s intention to further ease the lockdown restrictions imposed due to COVID-19, allowing more industries to re-open fully under stringent health and safety protocols. This announcement comes two weeks after the government de-escalated the country from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 ...
June 27, 2020
WASHINGTON—Covington represented Piramal Enterprises Limited (PEL) in the sale of a 20% stake in Piramal Pharma Limited (Piramal Pharma), a wholly owned subsidiary of PEL that will contain its pharmaceutical businesses, to CA Clover Intermediate II Investments, an affiliated entity of CAP V Mauritius Limited, an investment fund managed and advised by affiliated ...
June 2020, Global Investigations Review
June 17, 2020, Covington Alert
In a landmark decision handed down by Madlanga J of the Constitutional Court (“CC”) in New Nation Movement NPC & Others v. President of Republic of South Africa & Others on June 11, 2020, the CC declared the Electoral Act, 1998 (Act No. 73 of 1998 (the “Act”), unconstitutional to the extent that it requires adult South African citizens to be elected to the ...
Lawyers Uneasy as COVID-19 Delays Africa Free Trade Deal
June 11, 2020, Law.com International
Witney Schneidman is quoted in Law.com International regarding the postponement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) due to a concentration on limiting the spread of COVID-19. Mr. Schneidman says, “AfCFTA will give Africa more control over its own destiny, and accelerate economic growth.” Speaking on the cross-border impacts of AfCFTA, he adds, ...
Cybersecurity Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic
May 6, 2020, Covington Briefing Call
Audio recording Key takeaways
April 21, 2020, SA Financial Markets Journal
February 18, 2020, Covington Alert
We take a look at the development of regulation and its impact on syndicated lending in Africa, with particular reference to the Loan Market Association’s (LMA's) suite of Africa and developing markets loan documentation.
February 3, 2020, Financial Times
Witney Schneidman is quoted in the Financial Times regarding the United States’s and Africa’s search for a replacement to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which gives nearly 40 African states tariff-free access to the U.S for 6,500 products, and has faced increasing criticism in Washington. Mr. Schneidman says, “Africans are saying, we are trying ...
September 24, 2019, The Africa Report
June 2019, GIR Insight - Europe, The Middle East and Africa Investigations Review 2019
Accreditation: An extract from the 2019 edition of Europe, The Middle East and Africa Investigations Review. The whole publication is available at https://globalinvestigationsreview.com/edition/1001341/europe-the-middle-east-and-africa-investigations-review-2019.
Covington Recognized with IJGlobal 2018 Awards
April 5, 2019
LONDON—Two Covington transactions were recognized with the IJGlobal 2018 Awards for African Refinancing Deal of the Year and for Middle East & North Africa Power Deal of the Year. The IJGlobal Awards celebrate the top transactions that closed over the past calendar year across the international infrastructure and energy sectors, while recognizing the ...
Mitigating Business Risks in Africa - Ethical Practices and Trends
April 2, 2019
The event featured remarks from Ben Haley, Dan Shallman, Noam Kutler, and Witney Schneidman on the importance of compliance, building effective programs, and how to understand international risk.
Companies face conflicting expectations when investigating conduct under Israeli jurisdiction
March 26, 2019, Global Investigations Review
February 2019, Financier Worldwide
Benjamin Haley served as a panelist in a discussion on tackling fraud and corruption in Africa.
Ireland joins Covington's Africa practice
January 31, 2019, African Law & Business
Witney Schneidman is quoted in African Law & Business regarding the arrival of Jay Ireland to the firm. Mr. Schneidman says, “For the last eight years Jay has been one of the top business leaders on the continent. He has a keen understanding of how business and policy intersect and how business can positively affect the development priorities of African nations.”
December 21, 2018
LONDON—Covington’s Project Development and Finance practice has been recognized at the PFI Awards 2018 for the team’s work on the Al Ezzel and Sakaka transactions, which won “Middle East and Africa Refinancing Deal of the Year” and “Middle East and Africa Power Deal of the Year” respectively. The $243 million new financing facility for Al Ezzel Power Company, a ...
October 26, 2018, African Law & Business
Benjamin Haley's relocation from Washington to Johannesburg is featured in African Law & Business. Mr. Haley specializes in compliance and enforcement matters, and his work spans the African continent, representing clients in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa.
Discussing China's presence in Africa
June 27, 2018, CNBC
Witney Schneidman appeared on CNBC to discuss China's presence in Africa.
June 20, 2018
SILICON VALLEY—Covington was ranked sixth among “The Best Law Firms for Minority Attorneys” and ranked seventh among “The Best Law Firms for Minority Partners” by Law360 for firms with more than 600 lawyers. "While there is much progress still to be made, these results are a reflection of Covington's sustained efforts to recruit, mentor, develop, promote, and ...
Covington Hosts Project Finance Master Class in Nairobi
June 4, 2018
JOHANNESBURG—Covington has partnered with Power Africa, Kaplan & Stratton, and Fieldstone Africa, with support from the African Legal Support Facility of the African Development Bank, to launch the inaugural Project Finance Master Class that will be held in Nairobi, Kenya from June 4 - 6, 2018. The Master Class is designed to strengthen the environment for ...
May 25, 2018, CNBC Africa
Witney Schneidman appeared on CNBC Africa to discuss President Ramaphosa's first 100 days in office and provide a look ahead at what is to come for South Africa.
The Heat: China and the West in Africa
May 9, 2018, CGTN
Witney Schneidman appeared on CGTN’s The Heat to discuss “China and the West in Africa.”
Benjamin Haley Promoted to Partner
May 2, 2018
JOHANNESBURG AND WASHINGTON—Covington has promoted Benjamin Haley to its partnership. Mr. Haley, who has deep experience conducting investigations and compliance projects on the ground in Africa, will be relocating from Washington to the firm’s Johannesburg office this summer, where he will lead the firm’s Africa Investigations and Compliance practice. Mr. Haley ...
Leaders call for free trade for Africa
April 10, 2018, African Law & Business
Witney Schneidman is quoted in an African Law & Business article regarding a continental free trade agreement signed by over 40 African governments. According to Schneidman, “The signing of the [African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)] is a significant development and should be supported by all of the region's partners.” He notes, “AfCFTA culminates years ...
March 20, 2018, African Law & Business
Graham Vinter is quoted in an African Law & Business article regarding the recent arrival of Robin Mizrahi and Laure Berthelot to Covington. According to Vinter, the pair’s “particular skills and practice focus, combined with our existing capabilities, will allow us to serve clients in energy and infrastructure projects throughout Africa, including ...
March 15, 2018
LONDON—Robin Mizrahi has joined Covington as a partner and Laure Berthelot as special counsel in the firm’s Project Development and Finance practice. Based in London, Mr. Mizrahi and Ms. Berthelot will work closely with the firm’s project finance lawyers in Dubai, Johannesburg, London, New York, Seoul, and Washington. Their arrival follows the firm’s opening in ...
The view from the Summit – Part Two
November 30, 2017, African Law & Business
Ian Hargreaves participated in a panel discussing the management of compliance against anti-corruption and bribery laws at the African Law & Business Summit and is quoted in an article providing highlights from the event. Commenting on the impact of the "Paradise Papers," Hargreaves reminded the audience that many of the revelations were but allegations, and ...
The view from the Summit – Part One
November 28, 2017, African Law & Business
Ursula Owczarkowski participated in a panel at the African Law & Business Summit and is quoted in an article providing a highlights from the event. Drawing on her 12 years of experience in the energy and gas sectors in sub-Saharan Africa, Owczarkowski noted that there was “huge scope for development," and huge demand for power – but the pace of change was slow, ...
November 24, 2017, BBC
Timothy Hester appeared on BBC's "Africa Business Report" to discuss the firm's increased focus on Africa with the opening of its Johannesburg office. "We've been focused on Africa for a number of years, and we've been helping clients navigate complex problems in Africa," says Hester. "More recently we had a tremendous opportunity to build a project finance and ...
August 28, 2017, Philadelphia Inquirer
Witney Schneidman is quoted by the Philadelphia Inquirer in an article regarding the impact of Mavuno Harvest, which imports dried fruits from sub-Saharan Africa to sell at Whole Foods and other retailers, on African economic development. "In taking those mangoes and bananas and drying them and then connecting them with Whole Foods and other retailers in the ...
Why Big Law is Betting Big on Africa
July 28, 2017, Bloomberg Law
Witney Schneidman is quoted in a Bloomberg Law article regarding the opportunities stemming from Africa's legal market. "[Covington] understands that many of its client’s issues aren’t legal issues,” says Schneidman. “In many respects, it’s best to stay out of the courts.” In Nigeria, it can take seven years for the Supreme Court to issue a decision, and "[if] ...
Germany's plan to lure more private investment to Africa
July 10, 2017, CNBC Africa
Witney Schneidman participated in an interview with CNBC Africa to discuss Germany's Marshall Plan with Africa. According to Schneidman, "I think the German government is very serious about trying to put in place an initiative as it relates to the continent."
June 27, 2017, All Africa
Witney Schneidman is quoted in an All Africa article providing highlights from the U.S.-Africa Business Summit. In his Brookings blog post on Secretary Ross' speech, Schneidman writes, "The good news is that the Trump administration appears to understand the importance of the African market."
Covington to Open South Africa Office
May 7, 2017, Africa Capital Digest
Graham Vinter is quoted in an Africa Capital Digest article regarding the expansion of Covington's Project Finance practice with the arrival of four new partners and the opening of offices in Johannesburg and Dubai. “The team’s reputation in project finance is absolutely first class, and we are delighted with their decision to join the firm,” says Vintner. “Not ...
May 4, 2017, African Law & Business
Timothy Hester and Graham Vinter are quoted in an African Law & Business article regarding the expansion of Covington's Project Finance practice with the arrival of four new partners and the opening of offices in Johannesburg and Dubai. According to Hester, the additions are “a natural progression of our strategy to build a leading projects practice.” He adds ...
Team of Chadbourne partners opt against Norton Rose merger to launch two offices for Covington
April 27, 2017, Legal Week
Timothy Hester is quoted in a Legal Week article regarding the expansion of Covington's Project Finance practice with the arrival of four new partners and the opening of offices in Dubai and Johannesburg. According to Hester, “We have been focused on building our project finance capabilities for many years, and these opportunities fit very well with that ...
April 27, 2017, The Lawyer
Timothy Hester and Graham Vinter are quoted by The Lawyer in an article regarding the expansion of Covington's Project Finance practice with the arrival of four new partners and the opening of offices in Dubai and Johannesburg. According to Hester, “We have been looking to build our project finance team for a long time." He adds, "This group became available to ...
Covington Expands into Dubai and Jo'burg
April 27, 2017, IJ Global
Graham Vinter is quoted in an IJ Global article regarding the expansion of Covington's Project Finance practice with the arrival of four new partners and the opening of offices in Dubai and Johannesburg. According to Vinter, “We already have strong ties in the Middle East and North Africa region and want to be at the table when countries in that region launch ...
April 27, 2017, The American Lawyer
Timothy Hester is quoted in an American Lawyer article regarding the expansion of Covington's Project Finance practice with the arrival of four new partners and the opening of offices in Dubai and Johannesburg. According to Hester, the firm’s Chadbourne recruits in Dubai and Johannesburg will create a bridge between Covington’s outposts in Africa, Asia, Europe ...
Covington Expands Project Finance Team
April 27, 2017
LONDON—Covington significantly expanded its Project Development and Finance practice with the addition of Ben Donovan, Agnieszka Klich, Richard Keenan, and David Miles, and the firm’s Middle East regional capabilities in corporate and dispute resolution matters with the addition of Jack Greenwald. With these additions, the firm also opened offices in Dubai and ...
White House Choices Shape Africa Policies [analysis]
April 1, 2017, All Africa
Witney Schneidman is quoted in an All Africa article regarding the Trump Administration’s impact on Africa policy. "The Trump Administration needs to strike the right balance between hard and soft power if it is going to be successful in advancing U.S. interests in Africa," says Schneidman. "Africa appears to be on the back burner for this Administration.”
March 28, 2017, Covington Alert
On March 16, 2017, following a lengthy legislative process, the European Parliament approved a final regulation implementing a new due diligence and reporting regime for “conflict minerals” (i.e., tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold) imported in the EU. The regulation will enter into force 20 days after formal approval by the Council of Ministers ...
Is This the Next Trade Deal on the Chopping Block?
February 14, 2017, OZY
Witney Schneidman is quoted in an OZY article regarding the impact of the Trump Administration on the future of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). According to Schneidman, “There’s a fair chance that it will be seen as a trade deal that’s disadvantageous to the United States.”
Does AGOA unfairly benefit Chinese firms?
February 13, 2017, African Business Magazine
Witney Schneidman is quoted in an African Business Magazine article regarding claims that the African Growth and Opportunity Act unfairly benefits Chinese firms more than African entrepreneurs. According to Schneidman, “I think the criticism is a red herring to be honest.” He adds, “Chinese companies have been at the forefront of helping to expand the ...
February 7, 2017, Financial Times
Witney Schneidman is quoted in a Financial Times article regarding how President Trump may affect Washington’s Africa policy. Schneidman, who is hopeful that President Trump can be persuaded that what is good for Africa is good for America, says, “The key question is how will Africa help America be great again? How does Africa fit into this?” He adds that even ...
February 1, 2017, Financial Times
The Financial Times highlights Covington’s efforts to challenge President Trump’s travel ban on citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries. Covington has formed a working group in response that is advising clients who are planning to challenge the legality of the order, representing a coalition of technology companies who are set to lobby Congress on the ...
Africa in 2017: Innovation, employment, and governance
February 1, 2017, Brookings Institution
Witney Schneidman appeared on the Brookings Institution's “Intersection” podcast series to examine the top priorities for Africa in 2017, as laid out in the Africa Growth Initiative’s annual Foresight Africa report. According to Schneidman, a key challenge for 2017 is “how to get more growth in…key economies” and “how to get growth in the non-oil sectors.”
In Trade with Africa, US Playing Catch-up
January 18, 2017, Voice of America
Witney Schneidman is quoted in a Voice of America article regarding U.S. trade and investment in Africa. "I think the key to [Barack Obama’s] legacy is that he has brought trade and investment to the forefront of the U.S.-Africa policy agenda.” Schneidman adds, "When you look at the totality of this, not only does it say that the U.S. has interests in Africa ...
November 28, 2016, All Africa
Witney Schneidman is quoted in an All Africa article regarding the uncertain future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) following the election of Donald Trump. According to Schneidman, “It is hard to see how AGOA is sustained in a Trump administration.”
Covington and LEX Africa Name Second Fellow
November 15, 2016
WASHINGTON—Covington, in association with LEX Africa, an alliance of leading law firms in Africa, has named Bridget Nambooze as its second Covington-LEX Africa fellow. Covington and LEX Africa launched the program in 2015 in an effort to foster links between the African and international legal communities. Each year, LEX Africa member firms recommend an ...
RECAP – Chinese Investment In Africa: A Balanced View of Its Role and Impact on Africa’s Private Sector
November 2, 2016, IGD Blog
Witney Schneidman participated in a panel at the IGD Fall Frontier 100 Forum and is quoted in an article providing highlights of the discussion on Chinese investment in Africa. According to Schneidman, “We cannot afford to see African market as a zero-sum proposition.” He added that global investors must ensure that “Africa has the access to the best global ...
Renewable Investments in North Africa and the Middle East
September 19, 2016, Webcast
June 3, 2016
NEW YORK—Covington advised Beltone Financial Holding, a leading Egyptian investment bank, in its acquisition of 51 percent of Auerbach Grayson & Company, a New York brokerage firm specializing in global trade execution and research on developed, frontier, and emerging markets for U.S. institutional investors. This acquisition marks Beltone Financial’s entry into ...
May 16, 2016, Financial Times
Witney Schneidman is quoted in a Financial Times article looking at the President of Gabon’s warning that western powers need to step up efforts to help west Africa combat terrorism. According to Schneidman, the US response is “missing an overarching strategic approach.”
May 12, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC — Covington advised China Molybdenum Co., Ltd (“CMOC”) on certain aspects of its agreement to acquire Freeport-McMoRan Inc.’s indirect 56% Interest in Tenke Fungurume for $2.65 billion in cash plus contingent consideration of up to $120 million. CMOC is primarily engaged in the mining, processing and marketing of mineral products. The acquisition ...
Covington Sends Off First Fellow From Africa
April 12, 2016, The National Law Journal
Witney Schneidman is quoted by The National Law Journal in an article discussing Covington’s inaugural LEX Africa fellowship program. Schneidman explains why building strong relationships with lawyers and law firms across the continent is important. He says, “Each client has different needs and interests. Having an exclusive link doesn't make any sense. Having a ...
MIP Africa Roadshow 2016
April 6, 2016, Managing IP
Witney Schneidman’s remarks on IP policy in Africa at the MIP Africa Roadshow 2016 are quoted in this Managing IP article. Schneidman said he’s “optimistic” that the right balance between public interest and socio-economic needs can be found regarding IP rights.
January 28, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC - Law360 has named six Covington practice groups among its “Practice Groups of the Year.” The practice groups recognized by Law360 are as follows: Government Contracts Insurance International Trade Life Sciences Product Liability Sports
Distributed power and off-grid solutions in the Middle East and Africa power market
January 18-21, 2016, World Future Energy Summit, Abu Dhabi, UAE
November 18, 2015
WASHINGTON, DC, November 18, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) has awarded Covington a perfect score of 100 percent for the eighth consecutive year on its Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. Covington is among 400 major US businesses that ...
October 16, 2015, Zimbabwe Daily News
Dr. Witney Schneidman was quoted extensively in a ZimDaily article discussing the extended Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and Zimbabwe’s inclusion. “I have always seen Zimbabwe as a country of great potential. We should look for new ways to communicate and understand each other,” he said, citing the country’s educated population, natural resources and ...
Covington and LEX Africa Launch Fellowship Program
September 22, 2015
WASHINGTON, DC, September 22, 2015 — Covington, in association with LEX Africa, an alliance of leading law firms in Africa with a presence in 24 countries, and Werksmans, the South Africa member firm that chairs the alliance, have launched a fellowship program aimed at fostering links between the African and international legal communities. Each year, LEX ...
September 10, 2015, Brown Capital Management Africa Forum
August 3, 2015, The New York Times
“That’s why this visit is so important, because he’s sort of breaking out of that mold, and I think that’s an important step,” said Witney Schneidman, a fellow at the Brookings Institution’s Africa Growth Initiative.”
Covington’s arbitration app
July 23, 2015, Global Arbitration Review
A piece on our new arbitration app quoting Marney Cheek and Jeremy Wilson and mentioning William Lowery’s and Catherine Karia’s roles in developing the app.
March 19, 2015, CovAfrica Blog
February 18, 2015, LXBN TV
Covington's Stephanie Keene spoke with LXBN TV on a recently released report on illicit financial flows, one which revealed some startling figures: namely, that Africa loses $50 billion every year to these illicit financial flows.
Ebola: harnessing the potential of the private sector
December 11, 2014, African Law & Business
Covington's Ashwin Kaja authored this piece on the implications of the Ebola crisis on international businesses: Although headway has been made in curbing the spread of the Ebola virus in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, more than 16,000 people to date have contracted the virus and nearly 7,000 have died in what the World Health Organization (WHO) calls the ...
The Missing Link in President Obama’s Africa Leaders Summit: Addressing the African, EU, US Conundrum
October 2014, European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM)
Covington's Witney Schneidman authored this piece on US-Africa relations and the Africa Leaders Summit, held in Washington in early August: "The transition in US-Africa relations began with the passage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2000. AGOA, which reduced US tariffs to zero on 6,400 products for 40 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, was ...
Uganda Nullifies the Anti-Homosexuality Act and Backs Away from the Pursuit of Similar Legislation
August 25, 2014, CovAfrica Blog
How to Compete with China in Africa | Commentary
August 8, 2014, Roll Call
Witney Schneidman writes on how extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act will enable the U.S. to maintain a competitive edge against China in the African market in this op-ed for Roll Call: "In the competition for African opportunities, job creation is the U.S. strategic advantage. We are not going to finance infrastructure the same way that China does, ...
August 6, 2014, The Washington Post
Witney Schneidman is quoted regarding the African Summit that took place this week in Washington, D.C.: "Witney Schneidman, who served as deputy assistant secretary of State for African affairs and is now a senior international adviser for the law firm Covington & Burling, said the fact that so many leaders came to the event shows it was ...
The shadow of China: An ‘800-pound gorilla’ lurks over the effort to improve ties between the US and Africa
August 6, 2014, The Hill
Witney Schneidman is quoted regarding expanded U.S. foreign policy in Africa and the U.S.- Africa Business Forum: "Witney W. Schneidman, senior international adviser for Africa at Covington & Burling LLP, said some of the main issues that could come up include the reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is set to expire next ...
With Africa’s private sector on the rise, U.S. businesses seek to expand their presence
August 5, 2014, The Washington Post
Covington's senior international advisor for Africa, Witney Schneidman, is quoted regarding business growth in Africa and the African Summit taking place in Washington D.C. this week: “It’s a bit of an outdated perception to think of Africa as a continent of value for natural resources because now it’s of value for human resources,” said Witney Schneidman, a ...
July 29, 2014
WASHINGTON, DC, July 29, 2014 — Covington & Burling’s Witney Schneidman testified today before the U.S. House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade on the need to renew and strengthen the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The Act, signed into law on May 18, 2000, provides duty-free access to a wide variety of products from sub-Saharan African countries ...
Obama Seeks Closer Africa Ties as China Is First Choice
July 29, 2014, Bloomberg
Covington's Witney Schneidman is quoted in this article in advance of his testimony before the House Subcommittee on Trade in support of extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act. "Part of the challenge involves reorienting Africa as a continent of opportunity,” said Witney Schneidman, senior international adviser for Africa at Covington & Burling LLP, a ...
July 14, 2014, CovAfrica Blog
ON THE LINE: South Sudan: War Crimes for Power
May 8, 2014, Voice of America
Covington's Witney Schneidman, senior international advisor for Africa, speaks with Voice of America about the conflict in South Sudan.
March 11, 2014, Covington E-Alert
January/February 2014, The African Business Review
October 21, 2013, Brookings
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