Environmental, Social and Governance

Oaks Legal has a specialist team of lawyers who are experts in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). The ESG practice group focuses on effective environmental and social management practices for our clients’. We ensure our clients’ practices are consistent with the applicable International and National requirements. We also work with our clients to ensure their investments, financing and projects are reviewed against the applicable requirements.

We have a highly experienced team who regularly handle the ESG aspects of transactions across a range of sectors including:

Financial services
Media
Creative industries
Power and energy
Real estate
Retail and hospitality
Technology
And others

We offer a bespoke service that fits your specific needs. Whether your transactions are large or small, complex or routine, you can expect the same level of service and attention to detail.

Our lawyers will work closely with you to ensure we understand and anticipate your requirements so that we can shape our services around you and your objectives. Our advice is tailored and supported by our extensive knowledge of both the local and wider business environment in which you operate.

We have acted for governments, securities brokerage firms, local and foreign financial institutions, banks, private equity, hedge funds and borrowers in all types of domestic and international transactions including:

Environmental and Social Risk Assessment
Impact Funding and Social Investment
Regulatory Compliance and Legal Due Diligence
Sustainable Development Goals
Climate Change

Impact Funding and ESG Risk Assessment

Our experience in ESG covers a range of international debt and equity capital market transactions for governments, investment banks, corporate and government entities.

We have worked on Sustainability Bonds (Green Bonds and Social bonds), Sustainability Linked Bonds, Eurobonds and medium-term notes programs to securitizations and structured products. We have worked with client on Green bonds and sustainability linked loans, Impact funding and financing regime and due diligence, Regulatory compliance and red flag due diligence, Micro, Small and Medium Size funding for sustainability and Women in Finance structures.

Regulatory Compliance and Legal Due Diligence

We work in collaboration with CQ Trustees & Consulting Services Ltd to facilitate the seamless incorporation of businesses through the Registrar General’s Department, and registration with pertinent governing entities. Furthermore, our advisory services encompass comprehensive guidance on the regulatory framework, adeptly addressing any potential issues or disputes, leveraging our extensive understanding of the diverse industries and markets we offer counsel to.

Sustainable Development Goals

We focus keenly on climate change as well as the SDGs. We advise clients on their pathways towards achieving “Net Zero Emissions” as well as how to aid in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Our offering in this practice area include:

Renewable energy funding and transactions
Energy laws implications in the context of transactions.
Future-oriented development in our clients’ business models and strategy.
Climate protection related requirements in transactions.
Assessment of liability risks in connection with climate change.
Pollution prevention and Abatement
Biodiversity conversation and Sustainable Natural Resource Management
Climate change litigation.

Project Finance

We are also highly experienced in the field of project finance, public or private partnerships and infrastructure finance which stems from our knowledge of representing sponsors, lenders and borrowers in the exploration of renewable energy and the roads/railway sectors across Africa.

Representative Clients