Melusi Dlamini joins DLA Piper's International Finance practice

DLA Piper announces that Melusi Dlamini will join its International Finance practice, effective today.

Joining the firm's Johannesburg office, Melusi, who is dual qualified in England and Wales and South Africa, brings over 12 years' experience advising sponsors, lenders and institutional investors on renewable energy, BESS projects and large-scale infrastructure such as student accommodation, datacentres and the facilities and supply chain to support the roll out and use of sustainable aviation fuel.

Melusi's appointment follows several strategic hires to bolster the firm's Projects practice, including Sudhir Nair, Derwin Jenkinson and Nikhil Markanday in London and Noni Shannon in Sydney.

Colin Wilson, International Group Head of DLA Piper’s Finance practice, commented: “Melusi is a highly respected and knowledgeable lawyer with a broad and impressive practice. His experience advising on complex and cross-border mandates for a variety of clients across the energy, infrastructure and technology sectors will bolster our International Projects bench, which supports on some of the world's most notable developments.”

Johannes Gouws, Country Managing Partner, DLA Piper South Africa, added: “Melusi's appointment will enhance our firm's capabilities in South Africa and across the African continent. With his experience and impressive client roster, he will be a key addition to our leading Projects practice.”

In recent months, DLA Piper's International Projects team has advised several high-profile clients on matters including:

• Supporting asset manager and investment advisor, Amber Infrastructure and global investment group, La Caisse, on their commitment to invest in Sizewell C, the UK's 3.2GW nuclear power station
• Advising Infinity Power on the financing and development of a USD164 million landmark wind project in Egypt
• Assisting Afreximbank on its USD450 million facility for ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms and Special economic zones expansion
• Advising the lenders on a USD430 million financing for Genser Energy Ghana Limited
• Supporting Santander on its EUR600 million Finnish wind farm financing
• Providing counsel on a 4.5GW Battery Energy Storage System pipeline in Germany