Ashurst advises on "Water for All" infrastructure project in Côte d'Ivoire
Global law firm Ashurst has advised Deutsche Bank on a EUR 144 million facility supported by Atradius Dutch State Business N.V., the export credit agency of the Netherlands, for the completion of the first phase of the "Eau pour Tous" (Water for All) integrated, sustainable water supply project under development by Mitrelli Group in Côte d'Ivoire.
This landmark project is part of the wider Water for All initiative which was launched in 2016 by Côte d'Ivoire’s President and Ministry of Economic Infrastructure, and is one of the largest investments in the water sector in the country. The overriding goal of the programme is to provide drinking water to 97 percent of the population by 2025 and to bridge existing gaps in water access between the country’s regions, particularly in the areas in which inhabitants need to walk several kilometres to the nearest well to fetch water.
The first phase of the "Eau pour Tous" (Water for All) project under development by Mitrelli Group will see the construction of 95 complete hydraulic urban systems comprising wells, extensive water networks, and water towers, designed to provide reliable clean water access to rural and underserved communities. Each system is built to support an average of 7,000 residents. By addressing critical hygiene, health, and economic needs, the project is intended to empower resilient communities and unlock financial growth.
Partner Tom Longmuir said, "We are pleased to have acted for Deutsche Bank on a project which will drive public health, economic productivity, and overall quality of life in Cote d'Ivoire, consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals. The financing played to the strengths of our Africa practice and our global ECA finance practice."
The Ashurst team was led by partner Tom Longmuir and comprised of senior associates Cedric Gamambaye Dionmou and Samia Khennous, as well as associates Rohan Last and Santina Aboue. Bilé-Aka Brizoua-Bi, led by partner Michel Brizoua-Bi, advised on Ivorian law. NautaDutilh advised on matters of Dutch law, led by partners Arjan Pors and Jinne van Belle.
