Maître Bobson COULIBALY is a Partner at Yanogo-Bobson and a highly regarded lawyer specialising in mining law, energy law and commercial law. She has extensive experience advising multinational companies operating across West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, Togo, Niger and Mali. Her practice is recognised for its strong transactional focus and deep understanding of the regulatory and commercial frameworks governing extractive and energy projects in Francophone Africa.
She regularly assists clients with the negotiation of commercial contracts in accordance with OHADA regulations and has acted as lead specialist counsel in numerous mergers and acquisitions involving international and regional investors. In addition, she advises clients on foreign investment matters, helping to structure transactions that align with national investment regimes and regional economic regulations.
In the mining sector, Maître Coulibaly has participated in a wide range of transactions, including contract negotiations, company formations and the establishment of joint ventures between international mining groups and local partners. She serves as legal counsel to several mining companies operating in Burkina Faso. Her energy practice includes involvement in all recent transactions relating to the financing of solar power plants in Burkina Faso.
She is also actively involved in public-sector legal reform, having participated in the drafting of laws and regulations. She is a member of the team recruited by the World Bank to assist the Government of Burkina Faso in the revision of the Mining Code and its implementing decrees applicable since 2010, and she regularly assists the Chamber of Mines of Burkina Faso.
Areas of Expertise
- Mining Law
- Energy Law
- Commercial Law
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Foreign Investment in Francophone Africa
- OHADA Commercial Contracts
- Joint Ventures and Project Structuring
Professional Experience
- Partner at Yanogo-Bobson, advising multinational clients across West Africa on mining, energy and commercial matters.
- Advises international mining companies on transactions, joint ventures and regulatory compliance in Burkina Faso and the wider region.
- Acts on mergers and acquisitions involving multinational and regional investors.
- Advises on the financing of renewable energy projects, including solar power plants in Burkina Faso.
- Participates in legislative and regulatory drafting for the mining sector at national and regional levels.
Education & Qualifications
- Degree in Business Administration – McGill University (Canada).
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law – University of Montreal (Canada).
- Master’s Degree in Law and Economics – Universities of Rotterdam (Netherlands), Bologna (Italy) and Vienna (Austria).
Notable Matters / Representative Work
- Legal counsel on multiple mining transactions involving international operators and local partners in Burkina Faso.
- Participation in the revision of the Mining Code of Burkina Faso and related implementing decrees as part of a World Bank-appointed advisory team.
- Advisory role in the financing of solar power plant projects in Burkina Faso.
Publications & Speaking Engagements
- Contributor to professional and sector discussions on mining law, energy law and investment in Francophone Africa.
- Participant in industry forums and stakeholder engagements within the mining and energy sectors.
- Former Secretary-General of the Burkina Faso Bar Association (2021–2024).
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
- Member of the Montreal Bar Association;
- Member of the Burkina Faso Bar Association.
Awards & Rankings
- Ranked as a leader in mining law by Who’s Who Legal – Mining and Chambers Global International since 2012 (Tier 1).
- Co-founder of a firm recognised by Jeune Afrique Business+ as one of the best African companies to have made their mark in 2019.
