Eight Asafo & Co. partners feature in this year’s ranking, out of more than 50 firms represented —among the largest contingents of any firm, reflecting the depth of talent across our platform. Among this year’s individual distinctions, Managing Partner Pascal Agboyibor was named Lawyer of the Year for a fifth consecutive year, and Patrick Larrivé was recognised as Lawyer of the Year in M&A.
A fifth year at #1
Managing Partner Pascal Agboyibor has been ranked Lawyer of the Year for the fifth consecutive year. This streak follows a year in which he advised on several matters of strategic importance and underscores his role as a defining figure in the firm’s preeminent mining and critical minerals practice.
Lawyer of the Year — M&A
Patrick Larrivé, Managing Partner of the firm’s Casablanca office, placed #6 in the ranking and has been named Lawyer of the Year in M&A, a distinction that highlights his leadership in the transactions shaping Africa’s business culture landscape.
The Asafo & Co. lawyers and flagship practices recognized in the 2026 ranking are:
- Pascal Agboyibor – Strategic Advice, Critical Minerals and Extractive Industries, Energy, Infrastructure and Capital Markets
- Emmanuel Avramesco – Dispute Resolution, International Arbitration
- Bob Bastos – Project Development, Project Finance, Strategic Advice to Sovereigns, Critical Minerals and Extractive Industries, Energy, Infrastructure
- Benoît Diouf – Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Securitisations
- Louis Dubois – Project Development & PPP, Energy, Infrastructure
- Nicolas Jean – Project Development, Project Finance, Public and Sectoral Reforms, Real Estate & Construction, Urban and Territorial Development
- Patrick Larrivé – M&A, Private Equity, Funds and Venture Capital
- Isabelle Rouche – International Arbitration, International Public Law
“This year in particular, our work in the critical minerals and energy sectors, together with our strong M&A and private equity practice supporting leading investors, funds and industrial groups across Africa, sits at the heart of some of the continent’s most significant infrastructure and investment decisions” said Pascal Agboyibor. “Being recognised in this way is a reflection of the impact we’re able to have alongside our clients on issues that matter for Africa’s future.”
These results reflect the collective strength of our multidisciplinary teams, from complex project financings and sovereign advisory to high-stakes arbitration and transformative M&A. They also speak to the trust placed in us by clients and partners who share our belief in Africa’s growth trajectory.
See the full results here.