Former partner at Asafo & Co starts new law firm in West Africa

Daye Kaba, a prominent figure in natural resources and mining, has recently founded Tilan Law Group, an independent law firm based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The firm aims to specialize in natural resources, mining, M&A, and project finance in Francophone Africa. Its launch was officially announced on November 20th.

Tilan Law Group will cater to a wide spectrum of legal matters, including natural resources, commercial law, financing, corporate, private equity, and M&A in West Africa. The firm will provide legal services to both local and international companies, investment funds, and financial institutions, offering guidance on joint ventures, investment structuring, cross-border transactions, and the regulatory frameworks of projects in the region.

Daye Kaba, a tri-qualified lawyer licensed in Côte d’Ivoire and admitted to practice in New York and Ontario, boasts over twenty years of experience in Africa’s natural resources sector. He embarked on his legal journey in 2000 at Coudert Brothers in Paris, followed by tenure at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin in Toronto and McCarthy Tétrault, before joining Asafo & Co in Abidjan in 2022.

Kaba emphasizes that the decision to establish Tilan Law Group stemmed from identifying a market void. Clients sought local execution and strategic expertise without the hindrances commonly associated with larger externally managed African practices. His vision for Tilan Law Group is to create an agile boutique with the efficiency and responsiveness of top-tier North American practices while also offering unparalleled African experience and on-ground presence in Abidjan. The firm has already secured significant mandates, such as advising Newmont Corporation on its collaboration with Awalé Resources for the Odienné gold project.

Looking ahead, Kaba envisions gradual expansion for the firm, focusing on recruiting bilingual corporate lawyers with cross-border experience. The firm’s lean structure aims to deliver high-quality legal services typically associated with large international firms. Kaba plans to onboard associates, senior associates, and partners aligning with Tilan’s values and long-term objectives progressively. Additionally, Tilan Law Group remains steadfast in its commitment to independence while fostering collaboration with other firms.

Kaba’s ultimate goal is to cultivate a robust client base of institutional investors, lenders, and operators in West Africa. Beyond client engagements, the firm aspires to contribute to nurturing African legal talent by providing opportunities for young, talented African lawyers to engage with sophisticated legal work and international standards of practice.

In recent months, the legal landscape in Africa has witnessed the emergence of boutique firms like Tilan Law Group, signaling a dynamic shift within the sector. These developments highlight a growing trend towards specialized, independent practices led by seasoned professionals like Daye Kaba, who are reshaping the African legal market and paving the way for a new generation of legal talent across the continent.