Overview
Thiam & Associés is an independent Business law firm based in Conakry (Republic of Guinea) and a Legal counsel firm in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire).
Since 2017, we ambition to combine our legal expertise with a strong commitment to Africa’s transformation. Our firm brings together passionate professionals with in-depth local knowledge and highest standards of international legal practice. Most of our lawyers built their experience in leading international law firms before joining Thiam & Associés driven by the shared goal of building an African firm rooted in excellence and forward-looking innovation.
Firmly convinced that law is a strategic driver for development across the continent, we support our clients: companies, public and private institutions, investment funds, and governments in navigating complex legal environments and realizing their projects in a rapidly evolving Africa. Trust, rigor, ethics, and excellence are the cornerstones of our practice.
Practice Areas
- Projects & Project Finance
- Corporate Law, M&A & Private Equity
- Public Law & Public Private Partnerships (PPP)
- Commercial Litigation & International Arbitration
- Foreign Investments
- Restructuring
- Employment Law
Highlights
African Legal Awards 2024:
- Best Law Firm – West Africa
- M&A Team of the Year
IFLR Africa Awards 2025:
- Best Law Firm in the Republic of Guinea
- Infrastructure Team of the Year
- Deal of the Year: Simandou Project
Africa Business+ 2025
- Ranked as the 2nd most active law firm in Francophone Africa
Baba Hady Thiam:
Thiam & Associés: Ranked as the 2nd most active law firm in Francophone Africa (Africa Business+).
Ranked 4th in 2024 and 2025 in the 100 Legal Powerlist (Africa Business+ / Jeune Afrique).
Named Lawyer of the Year in the “Deal of the Year” category by Africa Business+ in 2024.
Awarded among the “100 Transforming Africa” by Financial Afrik.
Awarded in 2021: Best African Business Lawyer.
Achievements
In the last 1 – 3 years
Thiam & Associés acts as legal counsel to China Baowu Steel Group in the Simandou project, one of the largest mining and infrastructure developments worldwide. With an investment estimated at USD 15 billion, including a major iron ore mine, the Trans-Guinean railway, and a deep-water port, Simandou is a transformative project for Guinea and the global mining sector. Our firm advises Baowu on all legal aspects of its participation, ensuring the protection of its strategic interests and supporting the sound structuring of this landmark venture.
In general
Over the years, the firm has advised on several landmark matters that have significantly contributed to its growth and recognition, both in Guinea and across the region.
- Mining and Natural Resources: The firm has played a key role in the Simandou project, one of the world’s largest iron ore deposits, as well as in transactions involving Chalco and the financing of CBG, consolidating its reputation as a leading advisor in the mining sector. It also assisted Vista in operations across Guinea and Burkina Faso, further reinforcing its regional footprint.
- Energy and Infrastructure: The firm has been instrumental in structuring energy projects, notably advising Karpowership in Senegal, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon, as well as supporting strategic partnerships with Oryx and Puma in downstream oil and gas operations. involvement positioned the firm at the heart of key infrastructure developments.
- Dispute Resolution: The firm has represented clients in high-stakes disputes, including a major Vista litigation matter valued at GNF 18 billion, underscoring its capacity to handle complex, high-value contentious work.
These matters not only strengthened the firm’s expertise in strategic sectors such as mining, energy and infrastructure but also enhanced its visibility at both national and international levels. They remain a foundation for the firm’s continued growth and recognition as a trusted partner for investors and corporations in West Africa.
