Ethiopia

Aman & Partners is a law firm in Ethiopia which was founded in 2003 and is led by managing partner Aman Assefa. The firm is based in Addis Ababa and is an alliance member of Bowmans.

Focuses / specialisms  

The firm has specializations in financial and corporate matters. It represents companies and shareholders in banking and M&A related transactions. In banking, the firm has knowledge in transactional and regulatory financing matters and in the M&A practice, the firm regularly works on acquisitions and restructurings.

Key clients  

Key clients for the firm include Safaricom, Diageo, C+, Bollore, Vasari, Pioneer Hi-Bred Seeds, Ethio-Chicken, TAL, VISA and DBL Industries.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

During the research period, the firm was active in financial and corporate matters.

Specifically, the firm’s work focused on acquisitions and financings for a mix of investors, borrowers, lender and sellers for clients connected with the manufacturing, technology & telecommunications and energy sectors.

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Banking and finance

“Aman Assefa and Associates Law Office have a vast knowledge on finance, banking and tax that is backed by practical realities. What makes them special is they have on-the-ground expertise and give their advice based on this experience. So going to the regulatory bodies is not usually difficult with their advice, even in a country as unpredictable as Ethiopia. They are also thorough in their work and help clients think of gaps and scenarios not previously envisioned. They are attentive in their work and diligent in reports they provide maintaining professional standards for formatting and writing. The partners also work really well together, and they make the working relation easy and natural.”

Financial services regulatory

“Aman Assefa & Associates Law Office has a diversified and well-experienced team of many specialties in law. Investment, M&A, IP, competition, financial services, telecoms and infrastructure are some of the strongest areas where we observe the office to be immensely helpful. The office always provides a timely and thorough response to our critical legal questions not only with general legal advice but also with an indication on risks and opportunities available in our market. Besides the legal advice we request, from time to time the office provides us with information on major changes and updates on the legal system.”

PPP/PFI

“Excellent knowledge and responsiveness.”

Private equity

“Clear, considered advice that is detailed and thought through carefully.”

Project development

“Professional, knowledgeable in their field, and focused on customer service and delivery.”

Bahakal Abate

“Excellent communication. Deep understanding of the legal system. Immense knowledge of financial services regulatory framework. Good leadership quality for his team in the office. Excellent in foreseeing legal risks and solutions. Excellent commercial mindset for legal issues.”

"Bahakal has a depth of knowledge in corporate, tax and financial law. His legal analysis skill is great to have on your team. He is easy to work with, great in communication and delivers timely projects. He is excellent in breaking down problems and providing advice by taking into account regulatory changes and behaviours. He manages his team very well and enables them to be creative in their analysis and problem-solving.”

"Professional, knowledgeable, customer-focused and he delivers.”

Ermias Ayalew

“Detailed legal knowledge and experience. Considered thinking and detailed advice provided.”

Micael Sehul

“Excellent availability, he listens, considers and gives detailed advice.”

Redeat Stiphanos

“Excellent knowledge and responsiveness.”

Tilahun Weldie

“Tilahun is a very knowledgeable lawyer. He has a robust academic grounding and that helps in his writing and legal analysis. He provides well-reasoned arguments in his advice.”

"Deep understanding of financial services regulation, attention to details, excellent contract and reviewing skills, and excellent legal analysis knowledge and skill.”

Mehrteab & Getu Advocates is an Ethiopian law firm located in Addis Ababa. The firm, founded over 20 years ago is led by managing partner Mehrteab Leul, is a member of DLA Piper Africa.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm’s specialization in financial and corporate is largely focused on M&A work, where the team has acted for both buyers and sellers. It also has experience working on financial matters, specifically sovereign debt issuances and project financing matters.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Eagle Hills, MasterCard Foundation, Millenniums Challenges Corporation, Japanese Tobacco International, OCP Group, Boeing, Castle Group, Sika AG, Yango, KPMG and McKinsey & Company.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

During the research period, the firm was active in financial and corporate matters.

Specifically, the firm worked on acquisitions, financings and project related work for a mix of acquirers, investors and sellers connected with the banking & financial services, investment management and technology & telecommunications.

Mesfin Tafesse & Associates is led by Mesfin Tafesse and is based in Addis Adaba.

Focusses/specialisms

The firm has a particular focus on renewables projects, loans and acquisitions.

Key clients

Key clients include Mastercard Foundation, World Bank Group, Fortescue Future Industries, MTN Group, Deloitte, Citi Bank, Zoscales Partners, Veris Investments and Financial Sector Deepening Africa.

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Private equity

“Mesfin is very thorough and responsive. Super-professional. Stands out as the best law firm in Ethiopia.”

Tameru Wondm Agegnehu has one office in Addis Adaba. Since 2017 it has worked in cooperation with international law firm BonelliErede.

Focusses/specialisms

The firm has a particular focus on M&A and project-related work.