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TEMPLARS Advised Lagos Free Zone Company (LFZC) on Development of Integrated Gas Network

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TEMPLARS has advised Lagos Free Zone Company (“LFZC”) on the development of an integrated gas infrastructure network with a scalable base capacity of 40MMscf/d for the supply and distribution of gas for domestic utilization within the Lagos Free Trade Zone- the sunrise economic epicentre of West Africa.

This innovative development executed by a formidable consortium of upstream, midstream and downstream players consisting of Falcon Corporation Limited, First Hydrocarbon Nigeria and ND Western is set to bring gas from the Niger Delta to an industrial cluster in Lagos and includes a hybrid plan to supply and distribute pipeline gas and liquified natural gas.  This project is a new milestone for a fast-paced industrial cluster which also doubles as a free trade economic zone. The project magnifies the vision for the Decade of Gas declared by the Nigerian government and is one of the first of such transactions after the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

TEMPLARS played a critical role in the project conceptualization, distributor selection process, project risk analysis, ESG compliance adoption, documentation, and negotiation of the Gas Infrastructure Development Agreement (“GIDA”). The GIDA was officially signed May 16,2022 at the offices of LFZC.

Consistent with the commitment of the Nigerian Government to gas industrialization and energy transition, the Integrated Gas Practice of TEMPLARS continues to push the envelope in ground-breaking gas commercialisation projects in Nigeria.

The TEMPLARS team was led by Yemisi Awonuga and Associates Uba EmoleMuhammad Abolarin and Pamela Ojiego.

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Law Firms

Chambers and Partners Recognizes 102 Bowmans’ Top Lawyers in 2025

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The expertise of Bowmans’ lawyers in handling complex legal matters has earned significant recognition by Chambers and Partners. In addition, the firm’s position as the pre-eminent African law firm has been underscored by rankings in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates.

In the latest edition of the Chambers Global Guide released on Thursday 13th February 2025, 102 Bowmans lawyers achieved 126 individual rankings, with 34 individual ranking improvements, 17 of which are new rankings. Further, the firm was recognised in 42 specialist areas of law across all its operations – in Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia – with 21 of these rankings in Band One.

Bowmans’ Chairman and Senior Partner, Ezra Davids, said, ‘These results are extremely pleasing. We are grateful to Chambers for highlighting our standing as a firm and the calibre of many of our lawyers. We would also like to acknowledge our clients for calling on us to partner with them as they navigate the numerous political, economic, regulatory and cultural landscapes on this beautiful continent which has such vast potential for investors.’

Feedback included in the publication provides insight into the firm’s pan-African expertise. One of Bowmans’ leading corporate clients representatives offers: ‘We normally engage Bowmans in our significantly complex and high-value transactions. Its pragmatic approach to problem-solving ensures that we receive exceptional advice and support in every aspect of our legal needs.

Standout individual rankings include:

  • Ezra Davids was named a Star Individual, an honour given to lawyers with exceptional recommendations in their field;
  • Joyce Karanja, Richard Harney (both Kenya) and Stephen Vlieghe (Namibia) were ranked in the Spotlight category, which highlights individuals who are highly regarded for their international and cross-border work; and
  • Audax Kameja (Tanzania), Graham Damant (South Africa), Philip Coulson (Kenya), and Tim Gordon-Grant and Wally Horak (both South Africa) were included in the Senior Statespeople category, a ranking for individuals who have been pivotal to a firm’s successes.

Davids concludes, ‘These excellent rankings demonstrate our value position as a top-tier African law firm in the service of our clients and as an employer of choice.’

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Law Firms

Understanding the Legacy of Wealth: Intro to Transgenerational Estate Planning

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Welcome to the Just Legal Podcasts, brought to you by MNO Advocates LLP! We’re excited to kick off Season 3 with a compelling and insightful episode titled “Understanding the Legacy of Wealth: Intro to Transgenerational Estate Planning.” Join our host Liz Nderitu as she sits down with the senior partner at the firm, S. Okalle Makanda, for a candid and informative discussion on transgenerational estate planning.

In this episode, Liz and Makanda delve into the various aspects of estate planning, including the importance of creating wills, the implications of dying intestate (without a will), and the nuances of oral wills. With their engaging conversation, Liz and Makanda make the complex topic of estate planning accessible and even enjoyable, sharing a few laughs along the way. Whether you’re just starting to think about your estate plan or looking to update an existing one, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Don’t miss out on this essential guide to securing your legacy and ensuring your wishes are honored across generations.

Be sure to subscribe to our channel, leave your thoughts and questions in the comments, and join the conversation on this vital topic. Hit that subscribe button, and let’s embark on this journey together! Subscribe to Just Legal Podcasts on YouTube and stay updated with our latest episodes.

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Tik-Tok: @mno_advocates

MNO Advocates LLP is a trusted boutique law firm delivering legal services tailored to the challenges and opportunities of the modern business environment. The firm are recognized leaders in Transgenerational Estate Planning, Commercial & Corporate, Immigration, Legal Audit & Compliance, Dispute Resolution, and Employment law. We help clients navigate legal complexities with confidence both regionally and internationally.

Founded by three lawyer friends who were passionate about their craft but frustrated by the legal landscape for Small and Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs), MNO Advocates LLP set out to address the challenges of navigating complex legalese, hefty fees from traditional firms, and lack of personalized attention. Ignited by a shared dream, the three founders built a different kind of law firm - one focused on relationships, providing affordable and creative legal solutions, and showing relentless dedication to helping SMEs thrive.

MNO advocates' expertise has continued to grow alongside their client base. They have sharpened their skills in areas critical to SMEs, including contract review, intellectual property protection, employment law, and dispute resolution. They have become champions for their clients, fiercely advocating for their rights and ensuring their legal needs are met efficiently and effectively.

Today, MNO Advocates LLP is a thriving force in the legal community. They have expanded their team with talented advocates who share their passion for helping SMEs and also leveraged technology to streamline processes and offer cost-effective services. We have set ourselves apart as the go-to law firm for clients in the creative industry as well as fintech companies.

Looking ahead, MNO Advocates LLP is committed to continuous growth and innovation. We stay at the forefront of legal issues affecting SMEs, adapting how we serve the constantly changing landscape. Our story is a testament to the power of fostering relationships.

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The Unfolding Scenario of Digital Lending Regulation in Kenya

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Digital revolution has paved way for financial inclusion in Kenya. This revolution has changed how Kenyans’ access money, borrow money and save/store money. The growth of financial access through technology, Fintech solutions, has provided financial intermediation between many Kenyans were either underserved or unbanked.

This has, in turn, led to the mushrooming of digital lenders and lending platforms, which have dismantled traditional barriers and reduced bureaucratic hurdles that previously hindered Kenyans from accessing credit.

Unfortunately, this ease of access to credit has come with an unbearable burden on borrowers. Kenyans have complained of:

  1. High default rates among digital credit borrowers, leading to severe implications for negative listings at Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs);
  2. Defaults triggering aggressive loan recovery tactics, including calls made to borrowers’ social networks, such as families and friends, for repayment;
  3. The pricing of loans, particularly the ambiguous application of interest rates and onerous penalty rates that render loans unpayable; and
  4. Digital lenders serving as obvious avenues for money laundering.

There was therefore need to regulate this sector and a public outcry from Kenyans to be protected from digital lenders who were operating like shylocks.

This led the government to initiate regulatory and supervisory reforms for digital lending, and in 2021, the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Act empowered the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to license and oversee digital lenders. The Act refers to digital lenders as Digital Credit Providers (DCPs). Subsequently, in 2022, the CBK issued the Central Bank of Kenya (Digital Credit Providers) Regulations, which required all DCPs to apply to the CBK for a license.

ARE DIGITAL CREDIT PROVIDERS ONLY THOSE WHO LEND DIGITALLY?

Section 2 of the CBK Act states that;

“digital credit” means a credit facility where money is lent or borrowed through a digital channel;

“digital channel” means the internet, mobile devices, computer devices, applications and any other digital systems;

“digital credit business” means the business of providing credit through a digital channel;

“digital credit provider” means a person licensed to carry on digital credit business;

From a literal interpretation of this provisos, it can be easily assumed that any business that does not offer credit through digital channels is not a digital credit provider. The regulations also interchangeably use the word digital channel with the word platform.

This means that any lender who does not have a digital platform where Kenyans can apply for or receive a loan amount may of the considered view that they are not a digital credit provider. This interpretation led to many credit providers who still rely on non-digitized loan application forms and disburse funds through cheques or cash to not apply for the DCP License.

However, the question that begs is whether this literal interpretation aligns with the intention of the legislators when drafting the said provisos and regulations.

REASSESSING CBK’S OVERREACHING INTERPRETATION OF DIGITAL LENDING OVERSIGHT

Despite the literal interpretation that seems obvious from the reading of the legislation, CBK seems to take the mischief rule in interpreting these provisions. The mischief rule of interpretation means that CBK is looking at what the provision and regulation was meant to cure.

The effect of CBK’s interpretation is to bring every unregulated lender under its purview through licensing, regulation, supervision. Our opinion is based on the communication excerpt below from the Central Bank of Kenya.

We do not agree with this interpretation because it subjects all lenders to CBK supervision, regardless of their debt book, the nature of their lending, and the size of their debt portfolio. However, the Act and the regulations were meant to regulate businesses that lend through digital channels/platforms. While we disagree with this interpretation, the CBK has made it clear that businesses should not offer credit facilities without the required license. This position has not been challenged in court and thus remains the CBK’s stance.

MMW Advocates LLP is one of Kenya’s largest female-led law firms with a focus on positively impacting the commercial ecosystem with out-of-the-box solutions.

MMW Advocates was birthed from a different breed. A breed that believes that the law should not be rigid and uncompromising. Instead, it should be a tool for commercial solutions. For this reason, the firm’s rallying call is – Think Differently-Solve Innovatively.

It is no wonder that it has cultivated trust from Multi-National Corporations and the Public Sector with bold footprints in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.

MMW Advocates continuously sets the pace for emerging commercial laws and jurisprudence and is an ideal partner for any entity that is keen on being a part of Africa’s commercial development story.

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