Dentons is adding four jurisdictions to its Africa network thanks to combinations with law firms in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The deals, which are all set to go live in 2025, will boost the number of countries covered by the global giant’s Africa arm to 17, with more than 280 lawyers working across 23 offices.

Dentons identified all four jurisdictions as strategically important for its clients, noting that they add to its coverage of civil law jurisdictions with the respective firms sharing expertise across the energy, mining, banking and finance sectors as well as credentials advising on corporate transactions.

The firms in question are Kouengoua Minou Nkongho (KMN) in Cameroon, Pathy Liongo & Associates in the DRC, Tamrat Assefa Liban Law Office in Ethiopia and LEGALIX in Senegal.

“Building a presence in Cameroon, DRC, Ethiopia and Senegal accelerates Dentons’ momentum in building the leading Pan-African law firm, owned and controlled by Africans,” said Noor Kapdi, Africa Region CEO. 

“As the first global law firm located in the cities of Douala, Kinshasa, Addis Ababa and Dakar, Dentons is well-positioned to serve our clients as they begin to unlock opportunities in Africa from around the world.”

Along with DLA Piper, whose Africa footprint spans 20 countries, Dentons stands out for its ambition to operate a pan-African Swiss verein. It reached a major landmark when it combined with Nigerian firm Adepetun Caxton-Martins Agbor & Segun in 2021.

However, according to 2023 research published by Law.com in partnership with Africa Legal, South African-based ENS is the largest African firm in terms of lawyer numbers. Its network of offices currently spans seven jurisdictions with a headcount of more than 600 lawyers.

An alternative model is offered by the African Legal Network, an alliance of independent law firms with a presence in 15 countries.

Last month, in quick succession, A&O Shearman and Hogan Lovells announced plans to close their Johannesburg arms. Bowmans subsequently agreed to take on A&O Shearman’s eight-partner South Africa team.