Press Release
HFW Advises Republic Of Senegal On €1BN REGIONAL EXPRESS TRAIN PROJECT - AFRICA'S FIRST
Global, sector-focused law firm HFW advised the Republic of Senegal on the first regional express train project in Africa.
HFW advised Apix SA – Senegal's investment and infrastructure agency – on the €1 billion project, which in its first phase will provide a 35-kilometre rail link between the Senegalese capital, Dakar, and the new city of Diamniadio. A second phase will then reach the country's new Blaise Diagne International Airport.
The project utilises state-of-the-art 'dual-mode' technology, combining electrical and thermal energy to propel the trains at speeds of up to 160 km/h, and will transport more than 110,000 passengers per day.
It aims to decongest Dakar and turn Diamniadio into the largest 'new city' south of the Sahara desert, with conference centres, administrative quarters, sports complexes, residential neighbourhoods and universities.
The new line comprises 14 stations – including Dakar's emblematic station, which was built in 1914 and renovated as part of the project – and two maintenance sites.
HFW advised Apix on all legal issues relating to the project, including the negotiation of the supply and services agreements with Alstom, Thales, Engie, Eiffage and the other contractors and suppliers.
HFW's team in Geneva was led by Georges Racine and also included Cassandra Gridi and Alix Bosson.
Georges Racine, Partner, HFW: "We are pleased to have assisted the Republic of Senegal on this vitally important project. This is a timely project in light of the EU's 'Global Gateway' initiative to boost sustainable links around the world, and its Africa-Europe investment package for infrastructure, which was just agreed at the sixth EU-AU Summit in Brussels."
About HFW
HFW is a leading global law firm in the aerospace, commodities, construction, energy and resources, insurance, and shipping sectors. The firm has more than 600 lawyers, including 185 partners, based in offices across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. HFW prides itself on its deep industry expertise and its entrepreneurial, creative and collaborative culture.
For further information, please contact:
Chris Johnson
Head of Communications
D +44 (0)20 7264 8159
M +44 (0)7976 939864
E chris.johnson@hfw.com
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