Introduction When US President Joe Biden, announced the ending of the Zimbabwe sanctions program, a wave of euphoria quickly spread across the country. The lifting of sanctions provided renewable energy investors with access to the previously closed international capital markets. Many projects were struggling to reach financial close as funders were unwilling to risk inadvertently violating US sanctions by financing Zimbabwean projects. While sanctions opened up international markets, Basel III Endgame could spoil the party for the over 100 Independent Power Producers (“IPP”), who are licensed to generate electricity in the country but are failing to obtain financing.
Our lawyers in Zimbabwe are at the forefront of advising the infrastructure, construction and transport sector, working with clients who invest in, own, operate, manage or provide services to infrastructure assets.
From the roads which transport our goods, to the telecommunications which keep us connected, world class infrastructure provides the foundations to create jobs, grow business and connect people with essential services.
Our experience spans public transport, renewable energy, waste, defense, education, healthcare as well as social infrastructure and leisure, rail, roads, bridges, aviation, shipping and ports, among others.
Experience has included advising:
- Zimborders Consortium on all legal aspects arising out of the Beitbridge Project, from negotiating terms of all project contracts to ultimately drafting (or reviewing) said project documentation which include the principal concession agreement, the EPC contract and currency stabilization agreement among others.
- SinoHydro Corporation on various during the construction of the 300 MW Kariba South Hydro Power Plant extension, a PPP between Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) and SinoHydro.
- The Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe in the procurement of the private partner in the design, financing, construction/dualisation, operation and maintenance of the (a) Harare to Beitbridge Highway (Phase 1); worth US$1 billion; (b) Harare-Chirundu Highway (Phase 2), and Harare Ring Road (Phase 3) worth US$2.7 billion.
- Highlight deal adviser (IFLR1000 Energy and Infrastructure 2017)
- Rainor Robinson, Highly regarded (IFLR100 Energy and Infrastructure 2017, 2018, 2019)
- Ronald Mutasa, Notable Practitioner (IFLR100 Energy and Infrastructure 2017, 2018, 2019)
There is consensus on infrastructure being the back bone of economic growth and development, particularly in developing countries such as Zimbabwe.
As a Corporate Law firm in Zimbabwe we are approached by various clients and potential clients who seek our guidance, not only on the general regulatory and compliance framework in Zimbabwe, but also on areas of opportunity that we see in the Zimbabwean economy.
Zimbabwe’s industries have faced significant challenges over the last 20 years, with the ultimate result being that production in Zimbabwe has suffered immensely; with high levels of cheaper imports from neighbouring countries, resulting in a shrinking of Zimbabwe’s fiscus and a liquidity crisis, being the main by-products of these challenges.