Latest news with #CenturionLawGroup

Zawya
24-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF): CLG Workshop Offers Insight into Congo's Legal Framework
Pan-African legal firm CLG – formerly Centurion Law Group – led a workshop during the inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) on the country's legal and fiscal frameworks. The workshop – Mastering Business in Congo: Challenges and Strategic Solutions for Success – delved into strategies investors can deploy to navigate the Republic of Congo's business environment as the country prepares to launch an international licensing round. As a leading provider of specialized legal and tax advisory services, CLG – a Legal Partner of CEIF 2025 - caters to a diverse portfolio of multinational energy companies. With offices in the Republic of Congo, Germany, South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia and South Sudan, the firm delivers bespoke solutions for a variety of challenges faced by oil and gas companies. The CLG workshop underscored how the firm's expertise can support oil and gas projects in the Republic of Congo as the country targets 500,000 barrels per day of oil. 'Our goal is to provide solutions by interpreting regulations, ensuring companies can operate freely. We have advisors across several African countries,' stated Zion Adeoye, CEO and Group Managing Partner, CLG. The country's strong Central African presence and deep knowledge of the associated legal frameworks gives it an edge in the region's energy landscape. According to Yves Ollivier, Managing Director, CLG Congo, the firm's services in the region include M&A transactions, due diligence, legal secretariat services for oil and gas companies and expertise in intellectual property and immigration laws. 'We provide legal opinions in various fields, including employment law, corporate structuring and contract negotiations,' he explained. In addition to these services, CLG has strong expertise in taxation. Daoudou Mohammad, Director: Tax and Legal, CLG Congo, explained that the firm assists companies with tax compliance, fiscal advisory services and global tax audits. 'We conduct comprehensive tax reviews and offer targeted training upon request,' he said. For the Republic of Congo, these services will play a key role in facilitating investment, advancing projects and realizing the country's energy production goals. Given the complexity of the oil and gas sector, understanding the potential challenges associated with the industry is vital. Oneyka Cindy Ojogbo, Deputy Managing Director&Partner, CLG, explained that, 'Understanding all contractual details is crucial, especially in the gas sector. We have encountered cases where disputes arose due to poorly negotiated agreements. Anticipating potential legal issues is key to mitigating risks.' Additional challenges include misunderstanding of the requisite taxation laws. Mohammad pointed out that many companies fail to consider available tax exemptions, leading to missed opportunities for fiscal optimization. 'A thorough assessment of tax incentives can significantly reduce financial burdens. Companies should proactively evaluate their eligibility for exemptions,' he advised. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power. The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, brings together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities.

Zawya
21-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
CLG to Share Legal, Regulatory Insights at Inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum
With expertise spanning multiple industries, a delegation from pan-African legal and advisory firm CLG (formerly Centurion Law Group) will speak at the inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville this March. CLG, the official legal partner for CEIF 2025, is set to leverage this platform to address the unique challenges within Congo's energy investment sector. The delegation will include Zion Adeoye, CEO and Group Managing Partner; Yves Ollivier, Managing Director of CLG Congo; Grace Yella, Tax and Legal Director for Cameroon and Achare Takor, Senior Associate for Cameroon at CLG. The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country. At CEIF 2025, CLG will host the Legal&Regulatory Frameworks for Congo's Energy Market Development technical workshop. This session aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the current frameworks governing natural gas, including licensing requirements, fiscal policies and gas monetization strategies under the country's Hydrocarbons Code. A panel of legal experts from CLG will discuss how legal factors influence investment decisions and contribute to the growth of Africa's energy sector. Congo is also set to unveil its Gas Master Plan and new Gas Code at CEIF 2025, which will advance the country's gas monetization agenda and catalyze new infrastructure development. In parallel, Congo will launch an international oil and gas licensing round aimed at attracting investment in both marginal and deepwater blocks as part of its strategy to double oil production by 2027. With its recent office opening in Pointe-Noire, CLG is poised to offer direct support to energy professionals operating in or entering the Congolese market. CLG's Pointe-Noire office, managed by Ollivier, is focused on providing legal support for current and upcoming hydrocarbons projects in the region. Under Ollivier's leadership, CLG's local presence will help energy players navigate Central Africa's complex legal landscape, minimizing risks and protecting assets. With expertise spanning energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture and ESG standards, CLG offers comprehensive guidance to clients operating across Africa's dynamic business environments. The firm combines technical excellence with an understanding of local markets and regulatory frameworks, helping clients achieve their business objectives and capitalize on growth opportunities. 'CLG's expertise across energy, legal frameworks and regulatory issues is invaluable, particularly as we work to unlock the immense potential of Congo's energy sector. The insights from CLG's distinguished team will play a pivotal role in shaping discussions around the future of energy investment in Congo and Africa at large, providing crucial perspectives on the legal and regulatory complexities that will guide the region's growth,' states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director at Energy Capital&Power. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

Zawya
14-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
CLG Workshop at Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 to Address Legal and Strategic Solutions in Congo
The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF), taking place from March 24-26 in Brazzaville, will feature a workshop led by legal firm CLG (formerly Centurion Law Group) that aims to address the unique challenges faced in Congo's energy investment sector. As part of a strategy to spur energy investment and socioeconomic development, the Republic of Congo has initiated a number of strategies to drive resource monetization, project development and local capacity building. As such, the Mastering Business in Congo: Legal Challenges and Strategic Solutions for Success session will take place on 24 March, offering an understanding of the legal structures underpinning corporate law, taxation, immigration, labor law and regulatory compliance. During the session, a panel of legal experts from CLG will delve into all aspects of growing investments in the African energy sector, offering insights into the legal nuances that can directly influence investments decisions. Set to showcase how Congo's investment landscape can accelerate monetization of the country's natural resources, CLG's experience in the African market has the potential to empower businesses with effective management skills and knowledge for participating in Congo's energy sector. The country is set to release its Gas Master Plan ( and new Gas Code ( at CEIF 2025, with a promise to reducing energy imports in the country and raising electricity access for its population, which currently stands at 50%. Meanwhile, Congo is also preparing to launch an international oil and gas licensing round ( at CEIF 2025, aiming to attract investment in both marginal and deepwater blocks. This initiative is part of the country's strategy to increase oil production from the current 274,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 500,000 bpd by 2027. These major developments align with Congo's broader national goals to mitigate production declines and stimulate further exploration on- and offshore. are expected to usher in a new wave of investment in sub-Saharan Africa's fourth largest oil producing market. The Mastering Business in Congo: Legal Challenges and Strategic Solutions for Success will offer attendees the opportunity to master the complex regulatory landscape and learn how it affects various investment types within the energy sector. During the session, CLG will provide delegates with knowledge to develop actionable strategies to mitigate legal risks and safeguard investments from future potential strategies. 'At CEIF 2025, we recognize that navigating the complex legal and regulatory landscape is crucial for successful investment in Congo's growing energy sector. This workshop, led by CLG, is a pivotal opportunity for investors and stakeholders to gain valuable insights into the legal frameworks that underpin the energy market. By addressing key challenges and offering strategic solutions, we aim to empower businesses with the knowledge to unlock the full potential of Congo's energy resources,' states Daoudou Mohammad, Tax and Legal Director, CLG. CLG is a leading provider of specialized legal and tax advisory services, catering to a diverse portfolio of multinational companies operating globally. With a team of experts boasting extensive experience and knowledge across multiple sectors and with offices in Germany, South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Ghana, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia and South Sudan; CLG delivers bespoke solutions tailored to address the unique challenges and complexities faced by clients in various industries. CLG's expertise spans a wide range of industries – including energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, and ESG to name a few – enabling the firm to provide comprehensive guidance and support to clients navigating Africa's dynamic business landscape. By combining technical excellence with a deep understanding of local markets and regulatory environments, CLG helps clients achieve their business objectives and capitalize on opportunities for growth and expansion. Registration ( for the workshop is now open. The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Natioanle des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

Zawya
19-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Centurion Law Group (CLG) Earns #1 Ranking on Chambers and Partners' Global Guide 2025: Equatorial Guinea
Legal, tax and business advisory conglomerate CLG ( – formerly Centurion Law Group – is supporting oil and gas developments in Africa through its innovative and adaptable approach to client services. In Equatorial Guinea, CLG represents the largest law firm, focused on advising foreign companies operating in the country. The firm has a number one ranking on research firm Chambers and Partners' Global Guide 2025: Equatorial Guinea, underscoring its role as a major legal advisor and advocate for energy development in the country. With strong expertise in facilitating international transactions, CLG offers a wealth of private sector legal support for oil and gas companies in Equatorial Guinea. The firm boasts multidisciplinary and multijurisdictional expertise of market-leading and experienced lawyers who provide legal advice across the energy and infrastructure value chain. As such, CLG has supported international companies seeking business opportunities in Equatorial Guinea. The company acted as counsel to several major international oil and drilling companies in Equatorial Guinea as well as neighboring Cameroon, Gabon and the broader West African region. This has supported exploration and production efforts while driving projects forward in the upstream sector. CLG was also responsible for negotiating an Umbrella Agreement – alongside ancillary contractual documents – to establish the requisite legal and fiscal framework for the Fortuna FLNG project. Representing Africa's first independent deepwater FLNG project, the development serves as a crucial part of the country's Gas Mega Hub, aimed at monetizing stranded resources both domestically and regionally. The framework covers the facilitation, development, financing and operation of the FLNG project. This agreement coincided with the negotiation and signing of a Unitization Agreement and Unit Operating Agreement between the government and several oil companies, as well as a crude oil supply contract between an undisclosed exploration and production company and the government of Equatorial Guinea. Beyond Equatorial Guinea, CLG's extensive network of offices and lawyers supports private transactions both within Africa and abroad. With over 300 attorneys and business advisors, nine core practice areas, and 25 global offices spanning 40 nationalities and 50 countries, CLG is committed to providing comprehensive support across a broad spectrum of professional services. The company has 16 offices in Africa, including South Africa, Nigeria, South Sudan, Ghana, Cameroon, Mauritius and more. CLG also opened an office in Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo in June 2024, strengthening its support for Congolese energy projects as a suite of private companies expand their presence across the market. With Congo striving to bolster exploration and production in the oil and gas industry, CLG's Pointe-Noire offices will not only facilitate transactions but reduce perceived risk through its insights in the relevant legal, tax and investment climate. Meanwhile, the company advises on complex legal, financial and commercial issues related to upstream, midstream and downstream projects in the oil and gas sector; power generation projects across all technologies and fuels; and contracts related to the energy transition and use of clean technologies. In Uganda, CLG advises clients seeking growth opportunities in the oil and gas sector. In 2023, the company successfully advised Oranto Petroleum Limited's oil exploration license extension by two years. The license covers the Ngassa Deep and Ngassa Shallow exploration areas. 'CLG is an African law firm with a commitment to Africa. The firm's strong track record highlights the role CLG has and will continue to play in supporting oil and gas transactions in Equatorial Guinea. Its expertise in the oil, gas and mining industries – in tandem with its strong international presence – makes it a strategic partner for companies as they expand their portfolios continent-wide,' states Manuel Oliveira, Managing Director, CLG Equatorial Guinea. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.