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Founded in 2023, MAY and Company is a full-service law firm serving businesses of all sizes. With five partners, the team covers a variety of financial and corporate practice areas, including Banking & Finance, M&A, Private Equity, and Capital Markets. They also specialize in project infrastructure and construction, as well as energy and real estate. The firm is based in Lusaka, Zambia.
Highlights
MAY and Company is currently advising Manara Minerals Investment Company in a proposed acquisition of an equity stake in ten Zambian mining subsidiaries owned by First Quantum Minerals Limited. Acting as local counsel, the team conducted due diligence on the Zambian subsidiaries and prepared a report with recommendations and proposed warranties to assist in negotiating the acquisition. They are also assisting with the drafting of the share purchase agreement from a local law perspective. The project is currently ongoing and led by partner Chanda Musonda.
The firm is also advising China Datang Overseas Investment Co. On their investment and development of a 100MW greenfield solar photovoltaic (PV) solar project in Zambia’s Southern Province. The team acted as local counsel and is involved in the preparation of the legal environment report, establishing the project special purpose vehicle, and reviewing and advising on all project and transaction documents. The project is currently ongoing and led by partner Harriet A. Mdala.
Partner Maloba Nalomba joined the corporate team from Musa Dudhia and Co in August 2024.
Key Clients
Ivanhoe Mines Limited; Trade Kings Group of Companies; GoviEx Uranium Inc; Citi Bank; Manara Minerals Investment Company; China Datang Overseas Investment Co., Limited; Barotse Highway Limited; EDF Energy ; Fitchner Management Consulting AG; Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (“FCDO”) through Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Programme
Testimonials 2024/2025
“MAY and Co are both highly knowledgeable about a wide variety of legal issues and also very client centred. They provide comprehensive advice and respect client deadlines without compromising the quality of the advice rendered.” (Banking & Finance)
“The team is well rounded, quick, thorough and educated.” (M&A)
“The team is proactive and easily accessible. They have the know-how in the jurisdiction in which they operate and have solutions to client problems.” (M&A)
“MAY and Co was professional on power industry, and the team was very efficient in responding, and at the same time, very flexible about the needs of the client, which are very essential for meeting the requirements of Chinese clients.” (M&A)
“MAY and Co has offered availability, flexibility, reliability, and a top-notch expertise of Zambian law.” (M&A)
“They stand out due to their customer service, subject-matter-expertise and their communication. They always respond promptly to advise that the query has been received, which gives comfort to the customer. When they respond, they provide the relevant legal precedent which justifies their advice, and they clearly outline what their advice is on way forward. Where appropriate, they provide options as well as the implications of the different options. They consider not only the legal precedent but the industry practice and leverage their wider knowledge of the market / customers which is very useful as well.” (M&A)
“Exceptional quality of support and clarity on required proceedings, as well as early identification of any risks or pitfalls to avoid.” (Project Development)
“MAY and Company is rapidly becoming a top-tier law firm in the country, especially for project finance. Their success is driven by an outstanding and highly accessible team that excels at navigating complex legal structures. They have provided invaluable guidance on a range of intricate agreements, from concession and EPC contracts to financing agreements.” (Project Finance)
“What truly makes them stand out is their unique blend of specialized expertise and an exceptionally collaborative, client-focused approach, making them a pleasure to work with on even the most challenging projects.” (Project Finance)
“MAY and Company stand out for their responsiveness, clarity of advice, and ability to deliver legally robust work under pressure. Their team combines strong technical legal skills with a practical, solutions-oriented approach, which is especially valuable when navigating complex matters like customer claims, regulatory risks, and contract enforcement.” (Restructuring)
“They understand the commercial realities of the gaming sector, which makes their advice both relevant and actionable. Their drafting is precise, and their communication is always professional and to the point.” (Restructuring)
“Chanda Musonda's strengths include having expertise in Banking and financial transactions and her ability to be client centred and to go the extra mile for clients.” (Banking & Finance)
“Chanda Musonda is extremely responsive, accessible and open minded. She is very well versed in her field.” (M&A)
“Chanda Musonda is very thorough in her work and pays attention to detail. Her expertise in various areas of the law is commendable. She does not only provide legal opinions on matters but offers workable solutions on an array of subject matters.” (M&A)
“Chanda Musonda is very responsive and very quick to attending to client needs. She is an excellent lawyer and knows her work.” (M&A)
“Harriet A. Mdala was very professional in the power industry, she not only conducted due diligent work for the projects as the client required but also gave very enlightening resolution for the questions that she found out during the due diligence.” (M&A)
“Harriet A. Mdala has shown availability, reliability, and flexibility. She understands the client's expectations and needs and delivers high quality legal expertise on M&A matters in the Energy sector, and Zambian related law.” (M&A)
“Harriet A. Mdala is very innovative and pays attention to details, including details that everyone else misses.” (Project Finance)
“Maloba Nalomba provides a measured, knowledge-based service which leverages her clearly deep understanding of the market and appreciation for the business context. She understands that clients want practical advice which she always communicates clearly. She can be relied upon to provide support promptly and thoroughly. She is able to build trust with the client.” (M&A)
“We appreciate Maloba Nalomba’s communication and follow through on tasks.” (Project Development)
“Maloba Nalomba is clear, practical, and easy to deal with. She cuts to the heart of an issue and gives advice that’s actually useful, not just legally correct. She communicates well, doesn’t waste time, and has a great feel for when to be firm and when to be flexible.” (Restructuring)
Eric Silwamba, Jalasi & Linyama Legal Practitioners is a member of Dentons and serves clients in 77 countries. The office is based in Lusaka.
Focuses / specialisms
The firm has a particular focus on banking and finance work and specialises in M&A and corporate.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Samsung, Total Energies, CIGNA Insurance, Deloitte, Puma, Energy, BP, First Quantum Minerals, Stanbic Bank, OPay and Bank of China.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research period, the firm was active in financial and corporate matters.
In banking the firm worked on financings for lenders.
In M&A the firm worked on acquisitions for acquirers and sellers.
Musa Dudhia & Co is a Zambian law firm established in 1958. The firm is a member of the African Legal Network, is led by Arshad Dudhia and is based in Lusaka.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a strong practice in financial and corporate and project development achieving top tier status in Zambia for both areas.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Zambeef Products, Liquid Telecom Zambia, First National Bank Zambia, Bola Bet Sports Betting, Casilli Group of Companies, Grit Real Estate Income Group, Louis Dretyfus Commodities Zambia, IHS Zambia, Eferton Group and Kaltire.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
"Efficient and responsive to questions. Client orientated and practical solution driven."
"The Law firm is well groomed to understand client needs and provide excellent legal assistance."
M&A
"Professional, Responsive, Responsible."
Mulenga Mundashi Legal Practitioners is a Zambian commercial law firm established in 1999. The firm is led by managing partner Mulenga Chiteba and is based in Lusaka. The firm has a focus on financial and corporate and project development work.
Highlights
Mulenga Mundashi Legal Practitioners acted as local counsel on the notification process to the Bank of Zambia regarding the planned indirect acquisition of Pay Now Zambia Limited. This transaction formed part of a larger acquisition where BCP VI Neptune Bidco Holdings Ltd sought to acquire Network International Holdings PLC through a scheme of arrangement. The team, led by Chipili Salati and Mike Chilufya, conducted regulatory analysis of Zambian financial and payment systems laws; prepared and submitted the required regulatory notification and supporting documentation to the Bank of Zambia; acted as a liaison between lead counsel A&O Shearman and Zambian regulatory authorities; and contributed to the broader multi-jurisdictional regulatory strategy by providing Zambian-specific insights. The transaction closed in September 2024.
The firm has also been retained by Vedanta Resources Holdings Limited (VRHL) to structure and implement a multi-layered financing which includes creditor support funding, capital expenditure financing, a community support loan, and an employee bonus package. Acting as lead co-counsel, the team was responsible for the designing of the legal architecture for each financing component; the drafting and negotiation of financial documents, including facility agreements, security packages, and intercreditor arrangements; developing repayment prioritization mechanisms; advising on Zambian regulatory requirements; and coordinating with stakeholders. The transaction closed in July 2024 and was led by Mike Chilufya.
Partner Hope Ndao joined the Banking & Finance team from Musa Dudhia & Co in January 2024.
Key Clients
Network International Holdings; Vedanta Resource Holdings Limited; Kobold Metals Company; Liquid Group of Companies; GenVision Engineering EAD
Testimonials 2024/2025
“Excellent services” (Private Equity)
“Chipili Salati gives quality opinions and advice in corporate law.” (Private Equity)
Testimonials 2023/2024
“Very efficient and quick to respond. The work they carried out was detailed and thorough. Friendly and good personal relations.” (Capital Markets)
“Detailed knowledge of legal process in Zambia from a professional and dynamic team. We found them very good.” (Capital Markets)
“Very responsive and very professional. Good communication.” (Financial Services Regulatory)
Chipili Salati
“Positive, proactive and knowledgeable.
"Responsive and highly knowledgeable of the Zambian situation and well integrated into international business.”
Mike Chilufya
“Very responsive and professional.”
"Responsive and helpful.”
Abigail & Chama Advocates is a Zambian law firm established in 2020. The firm is based in Lusaka.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on banking work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include North Western Energy Corporation, Macoil Gas Zambia, Agdevco, Silverlands Zambia, Zambia Seed Company, Golden Lay, Cropit Farming, African Life Financial Services, Zambia National Commercial Bank and Cavmont Bank.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Bank lending: Lender side
"Stellar service. They give valuable and insightful advice and provide very detail guidance and solutions, whilst working under immense pressure."
"They are professional and always willing to do execute within reasonable time frames."
AB & David is a Zambian law firm established in 2009 and initially traded under the name Dumisani and Company and later Tembo Mulengeshi & Chanda. In early 2015, the firm rebranded into AB & David after joining AB & David Africa. AB & David is part of AB & David Africa, a Pan African firm with on the ground presence in Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Kenya together an affiliate network with presence in 23 other African countries.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on project development work where the firm has achieved top tier status in Zambia, the firm is also very active in financial and corporate work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include First Capital Bank, Konkola Copper Mines, VMO, Nokia, Amazon Web Services, Turkish Airlines, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and First Capital Bank Limited.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research period, the firm was active in project development and financial and corporate deals.
In corporate the firm worked mainly in financing and some M&A deals for the banking and the investments funds sectors.
In project development the firm's work focused on energy and construction project development deals.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
IDH Farmfit Fund $3 million financing
Bert MGD Consortium $250 million project development
Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Project development
“Very actively in negotiations.”
MOIRA Legal Practitioners is a Zambian law firm is led by co-managing partner Sharon Sakuwaha and the firm is based in Lusaka.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a particular focus on project related work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm includeLusanje Power and M-Kopa Holdings.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Project development
"Professional and knowledgeable and also very engaging and responsive."
Bowmans is a full-service firm with offices across six African jurisdictions, including Mauritius, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda locations. The firm’s Zambian operations are based in the capital city of Lusaka, and it boasts strategic partnerships with alliance firms in Ethiopia and Nigeria.
The firm is noted for its financing work, and is also active in capital markets, M&A, restructuring and project development. In the finance space, the firm largely represents banks as lenders in complex refinancing proceedings. The firm’s capital markets involvement includes equity side counsel on IPO’s as well as activity in the derivatives space. In the M&A practice, the firm is active principally in joint ventures and in representing sellers in divestments, as well as attending to a range of other deal types. The firm’s restructuring work largely involves shareholders of major international corporations. In project development, the firm sees to numerous deals involving the agriculture and energy sectors.
Highlights
Bowmans Zambia advised Nampak, a diversified packaging manufacturer, on the successful disposal of its liquid cartons business, plastic drums business, and liquid business. Acting as local counsel, the team advised on the Zambian aspects of the transaction, with a specific focus on the transaction documents and tax implications of the disposal of the shares in Zambia. The transaction was completed in September 2024 and led by partner Bwalya Chilufya-Musonda.
The firm also advised Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited as lead counsel in a $71.5 million financing to Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation (KNBEPC) for the development of the 100MW Chisamba Solar PV Project. Led by partner Joshua Mwamulima, the team conducted due diligence on KNBEPC and its related entities; drafted and negotiated the financing agreements and security documents; and advised on possible regulatory approvals required for closing. The transaction closed in May 2025.
Key Clients
Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited; Mitsui O.S.K Lines Ltd.; Absa Bank Zambia; First National Bank Zambia; Pepkor Holdings Limited; The Standard Bank; Garneton South Solar Limited; First Quantum Minerals Limited; Axian Energy Limited
Testimonials 2024/2025
“We appreciate the expertise of the team and their awareness of the regulatory framework.” (Project Development)
“We appreciate their technical capacity, their understanding of the needs of the lenders, and their flexibility in working.” (Project Finance)
“Bwalya Chilufya Musonda is an expert in the energy field and such a pleasure to work with.” (Project Finance)
“Joshua Mwamulima is responsive, very knowledgeable and very pleasant to work with.” (Project Development)
“Joshua Mwamulima is accessible and helpful. He has relevant technical capacity and skills.” (Project Finance)
Testimonials 2022/2023
"Understood the transaction fully and guided on both local and international law." (Financial Restructuring)
Bwalya Chilufya-Musonda
"Technical competence, patience, listening, communication, meeting of deadlines."
Corpus Legal Practitioners is a corporate and commercial law firm. It has been serving clients in Zambia and across Africa for over 25 years. The firm is also a member of LexAfrica. The firm is experienced in project development, project finance and M&A.
Highlights
Corpous Legal Partners represented Atlas Farming Limited in the sale and purchase of the assets of the Mkushi Estate from Agrivision Zambia Limited. Acting as lead counsel for the purchaser, the team was responsible for reviewing the offer letter and assisting the client in securing the deal; reviewing the sale and purchase agreement and facilitating their execution; assisting the parties with the conclusion of the conditions precedent; and facilitating the close of the transaction and post-closing conditions. The transaction is currently ongoing and led by partner Jacqueline Cornhill Jhala.
The firm also local counsel on a transaction in involving a Metal Purchase and Sale Agreement between Moxico Resources B.V and Pegasus Royalties Limited, a subsidiary of Ecora Resources plc. The deal involved a US$ 50,000,000 prepayment facility to Moxico Resources B.V for purposes of financing the corporate and working capital needs of the Seller and its subsidiaries in Zambia. The team, led by Charles Mkokweza and Lupiya Simusokwe, conducted due diligence on Moxico Resources and its Zambian subsidiaries, reviewed the metal purchase and sale agreement, drafted and registered the security documents, and provided legal opinion on matters of Zambian law. The transaction closed in February 2025.
Martha Siwale-Mwala and Mutinta Zulu were promoted to partner in January 2025. Partner Namakuzu Shandavu left the Energy, Resources, and Infrastructure team in April 2024 to move to LCK Chambers.
Key Clients
Brookfield Asset Management; British International Investment Plc; Ecora Resources Plc; Anglo American PLC; Agrivision Zambia Limited; Lumwana Mining Company Limited; Globeleq Africa Investments Limited; First Quantum Minerals; Rio Tinto; Blackthorn Resources
Corpus is a full services corporate and commercial law firm based in Lusaka, Zambia, that aims to provide legal services to the highest international standards. We offer world class legal services to local, regional and international clients, providing a crucial legal link to the growing Zambian market based on our understanding of the law, business and industry in Zambia and the region.
Our aim is to assist our clients in achieving their objectives as smoothly and efficiently as possible while minimising the legal and regulatory risks. While reliable technical legal advice is always very important, the ability to deliver that advice in a coherent and relevant way, combined with transaction management, structuring, negotiating, and drafting skills, are essential to the supply of high-quality legal services. Corpus delivers those services to the highest international standards.
We act for corporations, NGOs, financial institutions, trusts and state-owned enterprises in providing clear, relevant and timely legal advice in order to assist clients in achieving their objectives and managing their legal risks. Corpus’ core competences lie in the expertise offered through our four operating practices, namely:
Corporate Advisory Corporate; Commercial; Agribusiness; Restructuring & Insolvency; Tax; Employment & Benefits; Public Procurement & Outsourcing; Trusts & Charities; Banking & Finance Capital Markets; Banking; M&A; Private Equity; Financial Regulation; Insurance; Pensions, Dispute Resolution & Public Policy Litigation; Arbitration; Competition; Telecommunications, Media & Technology; Public Law; Franchising & Distribution, Energy, Resources & Infrastructure; Mining & Metals; Oil & Gas; Power; Natural Resources; Environment & Climate Change; Transport & Logistics; Intellectual Property; Infrastructure; Real Estate; Hotels & Leisure,
Our Mission
Our goal is to be the market leader in the provision of legal services to corporate clients with business interests in the region by offering a professional, client-centred quality service with passion and integrity. Our strong team of transactional and litigation lawyers with extensive experience handling significant complex matters sets us apart as the go-to firm in the market and earns us our reputation as the go-to firm for innovative and first-of-a-kind work.
Our Business Approach
Our business strategy is underpinned by our aspiration to be the region’s premier law practice. We aim to achieve this by applying a client centric approach and offering innovative and practical solutions. We believe good service delivery is not only about applying the law but understanding our clients’ needs and business goals. We recognize the value of knowing our client’s business and, therefore, we invest in learning about our client’s business, the industry in which the business operates, how the business fits in the marketplace and the challenges faced. This knowledge equips us with the ability to anticipate potential legal and regulatory risks and offer practical advice tied to the realities of our client’s business.
The calibre, deep industry knowledge and reputation of our people also enables us to add real value and create opportunities for our clients by making connections between them and our extensive network of contacts and experts. We believe good service delivery is not only about applying the law but understanding our clients’ needs and business goals.
MMLP is one of the leading and highly regarded corporate and commercial law firms in Zambia, with over decades of established market presence. Throughout the years, MMLP has become the firm of choice for corporate clients and serves as a strategic gateway to the Zambian market for numerous multinational corporations worldwide.
MMLP has earned its distinguished market position by delivering high-quality, value driven legal services across diverse practice areas, including complex commercial cross-border transactions, sophisticated litigation and local and international arbitration matters). This expertise has distinguished the firm from others in Zambia's legal industry.
The firm's robust capabilities, encompassing resources, experience, market presence, and longevity, provide access to strategic alliances that enable consistently high success rates in achieving our diverse clientele's objectives.
As one of Zambia's most sophisticated full-service corporate law firms, MMLP operates through four broad departments, under which specific practice areas are organized and teams are structured.
The members of Bowmans’ Zambian practice have been involved in precedent-setting domestic cases and pioneering cross-border transactions for more than 25 years.
Its specialist lawyers provide a comprehensive legal service extending from banking and finance law to corporate advisory work, and litigation and dispute resolution.
Their expertise ranges from corporate, financial, tax and competition law (including mergers and acquisitions, capital market transactions, syndicated lending, corporate financing, project financing, export credit financing and debt restructuring) to litigation, alternative dispute resolution and employment law.
Clients include leading banks and financial institutions, securities firms, insurance companies, investment funds, state-owned enterprises, and companies in the mining, telecommunications and energy sectors.
Click here for more about Bowmans.
MAY and Company is a dynamic full-service corporate law firm committed to providing comprehensive legal solutions to businesses of all sizes. As a new player in the industry, we bring a fresh perspective, innovative approaches, and a passion for delivering exceptional client service. Our firm is dedicated to assisting clients in navigating the complex Zambian legal landscape, enabling them to achieve their business goals with confidence.
