Investing in francophone Africa — spanning the fast-growing economies of West Africa and the resource-rich markets of Central Africa — presents compelling opportunities for investors and institutions seeking emerging market returns. Whether the transaction involves private enterprise, public infrastructure, or public-private partnerships, the path from interest to closed deal requires specialized legal infrastructure that most international advisors cannot provide. Sankare Law International is the US-based legal partner that makes that possible.

We work on transactions that development finance institutions and large institutional funds consistently overlook — the segment of African private sector deals and government-linked transactions where the need for specialized cross-border legal expertise is greatest and the field of qualified advisors is thinnest. We serve investors and institutions seeking vetted access to francophone West and Central African markets, and African enterprises and public sector entities preparing to engage international capital for the first time.
Legal Investment-Readiness AuditA structured four-to-six-week legal review preparing African enterprises for investor due diligence — covering entity structure, ownership documentation, cross-border transaction capacity, regulatory compliance, and IP status.
Cross-Border Entity StructuringDesign and implementation of holding company structures enabling West and Central African businesses to legally receive foreign direct investment under US, EU, or Gulf investor requirements.
Africa Investment and Transaction FacilitationCurated connection between qualified international investors or institutions and vetted African opportunities across the private and public sectors, with legal support through to closing.
Public-Private Partnership and Government Transaction StructuringLegal structuring and advisory for PPPs, government concession agreements, and sovereign-linked transactions across francophone Africa — drawing on SLI's established diplomatic and institutional relationships.
Francophone Africa Regulatory Compliance ReviewAssessment of regulatory compliance across francophone African jurisdictions — including the OHADA commercial law framework, WAEMU financial regulations, and CEMAC monetary and trade rules.
Ownership Documentation and Founder AgreementsFormalization of equity structures, founder agreements, and shareholder arrangements for African enterprises preparing for external investment.
IP Registration for African EnterprisesTrademark, brand asset, and proprietary process protection for African businesses preparing for investor scrutiny or international market entry.
Business Mobility and Executive Visa AdvisoryImmigration strategy and visa solutions for African executives conducting cross-border due diligence or deal closings in the United States, including diplomatic mobility pathways.
Commercial Diplomacy and Bilateral Investment NavigationStrategic guidance on leveraging bilateral investment frameworks, mission networks, and government-to-government channels to accelerate market access across francophone Africa.
We serve investors and institutions who have capital, a genuine interest in African markets, and a need for a legal partner with on-the-ground knowledge they do not have themselves. On the project side, we work with African private enterprises, public sector entities, and PPP sponsors across francophone West and Central Africa that have credible operations and serious investor interest but lack the legal architecture that makes cross-border capital deployment executable. If you are ready to move from interest to commitment, we are the legal partner to make that happen.
We offer services in cross-border transactions, corporate law, contract drafting, government relations, immigration law, and more.
We stand apart through our lived experience navigating both African and American business environments. This culturally-informed legal practice enables us to bridge divides that traditional firms often miss. Our practice also leverages innovative legal technology solutions to enhance efficiency and client experience. Finally, each matter is approached as a defined project with clear objectives, milestones, and success metrics. Together, these elements create a legal practice uniquely positioned to transform complex international challenges into strategic opportunities for our clients.
Absolutely! We assist with entity formation, drafting bylaws, and ensuring compliance withlegal regulations.
Yes. Immigration law is federal matter, so the same laws and procedures apply throughout the U.S. We are registered with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), which allows us to represent clients in immigration applications and before immigration judges nationwide.
Yes, we offer tailored services for both individual diplomatic personnel and diplomatic entities. Each situation presents unique challenges, so we customize our approach based on specific needs. For individual diplomats, this might include personal legal matters, while embassy support typically involves institutional concerns like property, employment, or operational compliance.
We understand the financial constraints of early-stage companies. We offerflexible fee arrangements including flat-fee packages for common startup needs, deferred fee options for certain matters, and transparent billing practices.
We've structured our practice to accommodate clients around the world. This includes offering flexible scheduling for video consultations, utilizing secure digital platforms for document sharing and signatures, providing multilingual services (English, French and Spanish), and maintaining clear communication through yourpreferred channels.
You can schedule a consultation by calling our office or filling out the contactform on our website.
Partner with Sankare Law International to develop a sustainable legal strategy and transform your vision into reality.
