Bowmans is a full-service firm with offices across six
African jurisdictions, including
Mauritius, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda locations. The firm’s Zambian operations are based in the capital city of Lusaka, and
it boasts strategic partnerships
with alliance firms in Ethiopia and Nigeria.
The firm is noted for its financing work, and is also active in capital markets,
M&A, restructuring and project development.
In the finance space, the firm largely represents banks as lenders in complex refinancing proceedings. The firm’s capital markets involvement includes
equity side counsel on IPO’s as well as
activity in the derivatives space.
In the M&A practice, the firm is active
principally in joint ventures and in representing sellers in divestments, as well as attending to a range of other deal types.
The firm’s restructuring work
largely involves shareholders of major international corporations.
In project development, the firm
sees to numerous deals involving the agriculture and energy sectors.
Bowmans Zambia
advised Nampak, a diversified packaging manufacturer, on the successful disposal of its liquid cartons business, plastic drums business, and liquid business. Acting as local counsel, the team advised on the Zambian aspects of the transaction, with a specific focus on the transaction documents and tax implications of the disposal of the shares in Zambia. The transaction was completed in September 2024 and led by partner Bwalya Chilufya-Musonda.
The firm also
advised Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited as lead counsel in a $71.5 million financing to Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation (KNBEPC) for the development of the 100MW Chisamba Solar PV Project. Led by partner Joshua
Mwamulima, the team conducted due diligence on KNBEPC and its related
entities; drafted and negotiated the financing agreements and security
documents; and advised on possible regulatory approvals
required for closing. The transaction closed in May 2025.
Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited; Mitsui O.S.K Lines Ltd.; Absa Bank Zambia; First National Bank Zambia; Pepkor Holdings Limited;
The Standard Bank;
Garneton South Solar Limited;
First Quantum Minerals Limited;
Axian Energy Limited
“We appreciate the
expertise of the team and their awareness
of the regulatory framework.” (Project Development)
“We appreciate their technical capacity, their understanding of
the needs of the
lenders, and
their flexibility in working.” (Project Finance)
“Bwalya Chilufya Musonda is an expert in the energy field and such a pleasure to work with.” (Project Finance)
“Joshua
Mwamulima is responsive,
very knowledgeable and very pleasant to work with.” (Project Development)
“Joshua
Mwamulima
is accessible and helpful. He has relevant technical capacity and skills.” (Project Finance)
"Understood the transaction fully and guided on both local and international law." (Financial Restructuring)
"Technical competence, patience, listening, communication,
meeting of deadlines."
