Law Firm Joins ALP Int’l, Expands Into Francophone West Africa

Leading business law firm based in Abidjan, Effi & Associés, has joined Africa Law Practice International (ALPi), becoming the tenth member of the Pan-African legal and professional services network.

According to a statement by the firm, the formal on-boarding ceremony, held at Effi & Associés’ offices in Abidjan, marks a significant milestone in ALPi’s ongoing expansion into Francophone West Africa adding that with this addition, ALPi now operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Namibia, Mauritius, and Côte d’Ivoire—making it one of Africa’s most geographically diverse and AfCFTA-focused law networks.

Welcoming the new member, Mr. Olasupo Shasore (SAN), Senior Partner at ALP Nigeria, described the development as a major boost to the group’s Pan-African mission. “Having one of the most highly regarded lawyers in Francophone Africa, Serge Effi, and his firm, Effi & Associés, join ALPi is fantastic news for us and our clients,” Shasore said. “Serge’s cross-border experience and the bilingual strength of Effi & Associés deepen our capacity to serve clients in both civil and common law systems, advancing our vision for a truly Pan-African legal platform in the AfCFTA era.”

Similarly, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Senior Partner at Africa Legal Associates (ALP Ghana), emphasized the strategic importance of ALPi’s growing footprint across the continent. “Africa is increasingly becoming a single market where our clients—ranging from multinationals to SMEs—are expanding across borders,” he noted. “Having Effi & Associés as part of the family aligns perfectly with our vision to build a one-stop, high-quality advisory platform for businesses seeking to grow within Africa.”

Responding, Dr. Serge Effi, Managing Partner of Effi & Associés, expressed delight at joining the ALPi network, describing it as a timely partnership that will enhance regional legal cooperation. “We are very happy to be part of this Pan-African-focused law family,” Effi said. “This partnership strengthens our ability to offer seamless legal services across civil and common law jurisdictions and reflects Africa’s move toward deeper professional and market integration. We are proud to represent ALPi in Côte d’Ivoire.”

Also commenting, Uyi Giwa-Osagie, Partner at ALP Nigeria, noted that Effi & Associés’ inclusion would help strengthen trade and business relations between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, two of West Africa’s fastest-growing economies.