Raïssa is a Senior Associate in our Energy Transition and Infrastructure Finance team and a member of our Africa Group.
She regularly advises development finance institutions, multi-laterals, export credit agencies, commercial lenders, sponsors and governments on project development and financing and other complex banking and finance transactions in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, having a significant experience working in OHADA law jurisdictions.
Raïssa is also active in the social finance and impact investment sector where she has helped innovative African startups raise financings.
Background
Raïssa is admitted to the Paris and New York State bars. Before moving to Herbert Smith Freehills in June 2024, Raïssa worked in the London and Paris offices of another leading international firm and was previously seconded to a French DFI in Paris. She is fluent in French, English, Moré and Dioula.
Experience & expertise
Selected matters
- the DFIs in relation to the financing of the construction and operation of the first solar IPP project in Burkina Faso*
- the Sponsors on the development and financing of a EUR1.3 billion lithium-ion EV batterie gigafactory in Douai, France*
- the lenders on the US$750 million financing for the development of a bauxite mine in Guinea, together with supporting rail and port infrastructure*
- DFIs on the acquisition of a portfolio of power plants and associated infrastructure in five African countries including OHADA law jurisdictions*
- a DFI in relation to a multi-currency loan to a Sudanese food and agriculture conglomerate*
- a Ugandan e-mobility social enterprise in relation to the financing from a government-funded investment company*
* experience gained prior to joining Herbert Smith Freehills
Sectors
