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Akheel Jinabhai & Associates (in association with McKee Commercial Law)2 practice areasView profile
Bookbinder Business Law is a Botswana-based firm founded in 2010 by Jeffrey Bookbinder, offering integrated legal services that combine strong local insight with international standards. The firm is recognised for its expertise in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A, energy and natural resources, and restructuring. Key partners include Jeffrey Bookbinder, Andre Bell, Msiya Kindiano, and Obakeng Lebotse.
Key clients
Access Bank Botswana Limited, BCL Limited (In Liquidation), Botswana Development Corporation Limited, International Finance Corporation, Rand Merchant Bank (a division of FirstRand Bank Limited)
Highlights
The team advised the liquidator of Tati Nickel Mining Company Proprietary Limited (“Tati Nickel”)’s on the sale of the nickel mining complex situate at the Phoenix Mine in Northeastern Botswana.
The finance team, led by Andre Bell and Tebogo Mapitse, acted as local counsel to Rand Merchant Bank and International Finance Corporation in relation to the financing of the Mmadinare Solar Proprietary Limited’s 50MW solar PV generation facility in Botswana.
Bookbinder advised SBSA in relation to the financing of the Jwaneng 100MW solar PV generation facility in Botswana, one of the largest solar projects in the country.
Testimonials
2025
“Sound local law advice.” – M&A
“Their commitment to providing well-rounded, prompt, and world-class service goes beyond legal matters, reflecting deep experience in issues that are often purely commercial.” – Banking and finance
“They are a client-centric, fit-for-purpose firm that goes the extra mile to assist clients. Knowledgeable in relevant laws and regulatory requirements, and always just a phone call away.” – Banking and finance
“The team is highly responsive, collaborative, and detail-oriented. They combine strong legal analysis with practical advice, making them easy to work with and effective in coordinating complex projects.” – Banking and finance
“They have a breadth of skill across commercial, competition, real estate, and insolvency law. Highly responsive and practical, they blend legal diligence with commercial sense.” – Project development
“Crisp, concise, and easy to understand advice with no unnecessary complexity.” – Banking and finance
“Bookbinder Business demonstrates breadth of expertise and a solid foundation in commercial law. Founding partner Jeffrey Bookbinder has unparalleled knowledge of insolvency law and understands both the complexity and the practical implications of the legislation.” – Restructuring
“Personal, businesslike, and efficient.” – M&A
“We particularly valued their deep understanding of the Botswana client, pragmatic approach to cross-border structuring, and team responsiveness. Their ability to anticipate regulatory hurdles and provide commercially sound solutions made them a strong and reliable partner.” – Banking and finance
“Very competent and efficient, with a good understanding of commercial risk and a practical approach to problem-solving.” – Banking and finance
“They understand our risk profile and appetite as a pension fund investor.” – Project Finance
“Ability to articulate issues and solutions in a manner easily understood by non-lawyers.” – Obakeng Lebotse, Partner
“Advises clients thoroughly and always goes the extra mile.” – Obakeng Lebotse, Partner
“Commercially astute and brings leadership to transactions.” – Obakeng Lebotse, Partner
“Knowledgeable, contactable, responsive, and commercially practical.” – Tebogo Mapitse, Partner
“Makes the complex simple.” – Andre Bell, Partner
“Jeffrey Bookbinder is extremely skilled at drafting — the best in the country — and Botswana’s foremost insolvency lawyer. He understands how to utilise legislation to achieve the best results. Responsive, broad-minded, and internationally experienced, he listens carefully to clients and collaborates effectively with other professionals. His standard of work is exceptionally high.” – Jeffrey Bookbinder, Managing Partner
“Provides very professional and competent legal advice.” – Tebogo Mapitse, Partner
“Brings leadership to transactions and effectively coordinates multiple teams.” – Obakeng Lebotse, Partner
“Takes time to understand the client’s brief and focuses on achieving the desired end result within the legal and commercial parameters of the matter.” – Tebogo Mapitse, Partner
“Prioritises delivery and execution.” – Andre Bell, Partner
2024
“Great expertise, and they are well resourced and knowledgeable on all aspects of law.” – Financial services regulatory
"Efficient, knowledgeable, innovative, responsive and communicates well." - Andre Bell, Partner
"Always ready to assist, knowledgeable, efficient with his work and produces timely results." - Tebogo Mapitse, Partner
Botswanan firm Osei-Ofei Swabi & Co,known initially as Hazel Todd Attorneys,was established in 1998. It has one office in Gaborone.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm advises on corporate commercial work, civil litigation and arbitration.
Key clients
First National Bank of Botswana, African Banking Corporation Botswana, First Capital Bank, Bank of Baroda, enX Botswana, Botswana Insurance Fund Management, Botswana Insurance Company, Phoenix of Botswana Assurance, Sefalana Holdings, Commercial Holdings, Mechanised Farming, Engen Marketing, Total Botswana, Voltex Botswana, Botswana International University of Science & Technology, Khumo Property Asset Management, Daewoo Engineering & Construction Company
Desai Law Group is a full-service corporate and commercial law firm based in Gaborone. The firm has strengths in financial and corporate matters, advising clients across banking and finance, capital markets, M&A, insolvency and restructuring, and project development.
Key clients
Access Bank Botswana, Bayport Management Limited, Botswana Stock Exchange, Jindal Energy Zimbabwe Proprietary Limited, Minerals Development Company Botswana
Highlights
DLG advised Jindal Energy Zimbabwe Proprietary Limited on the proposed rehabilitation, operation, and transfer project with Zimbabwe Power Company Limited. The transaction is a landmark public-private partnership in Zimbabwe’s energy sector, aimed at reviving the aging Hwange Power Station.
The corporate team led by Rizwan Desai and Eleng Mugabe advised on the acquisition by the Pepkor Group (formely JD Consumers Electronics Proprietary Limited) of the Shoprite Group’s furniture business (the Furniture Segment).
DLG acted for Bayport Management Limited in a recapitalisation transaction involving the implementation of a full corporate reorganisation.
Testimonials
2025
- “Provides sound local law advice.” – M&A
- “The firm has a strong team with deep expertise in the mining and minerals sector in Botswana, which was evident in the key M&A considerations identified for deal closure.” – M&A
- “Ziga has strong expertise in commercial legal advisory and litigation.” – Sipho Ziga, Partner
- “Offers expansive, value-added legal advisory expertise in the mining and minerals industry in Botswana.” – Rizwan Desai, Managing Partner
- “Relatively responsive and provides sound advice.” – Kagiso Mabutho, Associate
2024
- "The firm has a knowledge base in sector, competitiveness with other law firms in country, and hard-working and dedicated staff." – Project development
