Our firm
About us
Founded in Benin in 2022, MOAvocat is a business law firm dedicated primarily to Africa. It is driven and guided by a vision based on the conviction of Africa’s booming and promising economic growth.
In line with its transnational ambitions, the firm has developed a network of correspondents and partners in many African countries, reinforcing its ability to advise and support its customers in all their projects, regardless their scale.
The firm offers services to all types of clients (local, international, private, public, etc.), mainly in countries governed by OHADA law. It assists its clients with their planned investments on the continent, as well as with the day-to-day management of their business.
The firm pays particular attention to the expectations of its clients, with whom it establishes a privileged relationship for greater synergy in the handling of cases, and for better understanding and securement of their investments. MOAvocat offers to companies, public and private institutions, local authorities, investment funds, associations, non-governmental organisations and governments, comprehensive legal assistance in line with international best practices and standards.
Our team
Marius Olatoundé ATTINDOGBE
PRACTICES
Projects financing, Projects development, Corporate law and M&A, Arbitration, OHADA law
Former member of the Paris Bar, Marius Olatoundé ATTINDOGBE is a member of the Benin Bar. Managing Partner of MOAvocat, Marius has significant experience gained in international law firms where he developed a practice in project development and financing, as well as in international arbitration. His knowledge of OHADA law along with regional and domestic regulations also enables him to work on M&A operations and in negotiating and drafting complex contracts.
Over the past few years, Marius has assisted a number of international groups and local companies operating in the energy, infrastructure and natural resources sectors. He has also assisted arrangers, lenders and borrowers in the negotiation,drafting and formalisation of financing documentation for major projects.
Marius is a member of the African Business Lawyers' Club (ABLC), whose aim is "to promote a better perception of business practice in Africa".
Marius works in French and English. He speaks several local dialects.
Cédric Mahoutin LIGAN
PRACTICES
Projects financing, OHADA law
A former bank in-house lawyer, Cédric Mahoutin LIGAN is a member of the Val d'Oise Bar and holds a doctorate in law.
Cédric has significant experience acquired with French banks and financing companies. He has focused his practice on securing corporate financing and preventing the risks and difficulties that can arise in this type of transaction.
As a consultant with MOAvocat, Cédric regularly assists the firm's clients with M&A and project finance transactions. He works in OHADA law, particularly in corporate law and credit law, including security matters.
Cédric works in French and speaks several local dialects.
Marie Paule AHOUSSOU-KOUADIO
PRACTICES
Ethics and compliance, Fight against economic and financial crime
A lawyer by training, Marie-Paule specializes in issues relating to the fight against economic and financial crime and criminal business law.
Compliance officer, Marie Paule also acts as a consultant for public sector entities (state-owned companies, ministries, institutions, government agencies) and major international groups operating in various sectors (renewable energies, banking, consultancy) in Europe and West Africa. She has developed expertise in anti-corruption compliance, the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, the protection of personal data and the management and
recovery of criminal assets.
In this capacity, Marie-Paule is regularly involved in the development and deployment of compliance policies and procedures, in line with the legal requirements specific to the various countries and industries and the best practices derived from international standards.
She provides support for the implementation of capacity-building programmes, the analysis and proposal of reforms aimed at improving the legal and institutional framework of States, and the drafting of detailed reports and policy briefs.
In addition, Marie-Paule regularly acts as a focal point at expert group meetings and training seminars for the ethics and governance commissions of private-sector employers’ organizations, State entities, international organizations and civil society bodies.
Marie-Paule works in French and English.
François Dagbénagni GANKOUTIN
PRACTICES
Projects development, OHADA law, Maritime and port law
François Dagbénagni GANKOUTIN is a member of the Nantes Bar and a Doctor of law.
François has significant experience in environmental law and maritime and port safety and security. As part of the WeCAPS (Western and Central Africa Port Security) project, financed by the European Union, he carried out audits of ports in Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and Togo.
As a consultant at MOAvocat, he assists the firm's clients in matters relating to maritime and port law and in technical issues relating to infrastructure projects, particularly port projects.
François also carries out research and teaching activities as a research associate at the Maritime and Oceanic Law Laboratory of the University of Nantes.
François works in French and English. He speaks several local languages.
Djômion Emmanuel JIOUAN
PRACTICES
Projects financing, Projects development, International arbitration, OHADA law
Djômion Emmanuel JIOUAN is a legal adviser at MOAvocat. Emmanuel focuses its practice on business law, OHADA law and projects financing.
In this respect, Emmanuel often assists international and local clients in setting up their projects, drafting financing documentation and conducting due diligence. Emmanuel is also involved on a daily basis in labour and corporate law issues.
Emmanuel works in French and English. He speaks several local dialects.
Firmina Olayêmi COCO
PRACTICES
Public procurement law, Public-private partnerships, OHADA law
Firmina Olayêmi COCO is a legal adviser at MOAvocat. Firmina focuses her practice on projects development and financing.
She is regularly involved in the drafting of various legal documents, including business contracts and in procurement procedures for public contracts and public-private partnerships.
She also assists clients with all formalities required to set up a company in Benin.
Firmina combines legal knowledge with a thorough understanding of the Beninese administration.
Firmina works in French and English. She speaks several dialects.
Our values
Excellence
Excellence is part of MOAvocat's DNA, and of each member of the team. Our aim is not only to apply international best practices and standards, but also to contribute to their development, while taking into account the nature and specificities of the African economic market.
Ethics
As like all our business partners, we are committed to observing strict professional ethics in all our dealings. Respect for professional ethics, integrity and transparency are the foundations of the relationship of trust we maintain with our clients and partners.
Audacity
We believe in our vision, and we are convinced that the alliance between the business and legal environments is an essential pillar for the economic and social development of the African continent. We are convinced that we can contribute, in our own way, to the development of a genuine African legal market.
Partnerships
MOAvocat's success is based on strengthening our partnerships with the most reputable law firms, particularly those located on the continent. Our partners and correspondents are part of this vision. We strive to surround ourselves with a reliable network, guided and driven by the same vision and passion: Africa.