South Africa

South Africa

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South Africa is considered to be one of the most promising and sophisticated emerging markets. The combination of its diverse natural resources, modern infrastructure and the ease of doing business there have led to the region often being referred to as Africa's economic powerhouse.

We have been present in Africa for 55+ years and pride ourselves on our ability to respond to client needs through our offices in South Africa. Our legacy in Africa through our combination in Kenya dates back to over a 120+ years. In 2012 Dentons and KapdiTwala combined in what was considered 'a first-of-its-kind' between a tier 1 Black law firm and an international law firm. In 2014, Dentons together with KapdiTwala established Dentons in South Africa. With offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg we are suitably located to service client needs in South Africa, while contributing to the changing face of business in the region.

Our South Africa team is an integral part of Dentons in Africa, which serves clients across the globe, and advises on a wide range of matters including energy, transportation, aviation and aerospace, hospitality and leisure, natural resources, infrastructure, disputes, private equity and project finance. Our practitioners have advised some of the most trusted global brands and leaders in their respective industries.

Whether you are a South African company with interests beyond its borders or you are seeking to enter the South African market or other parts of Africa, Dentons can deliver business solutions wherever you need them.

Recognition

Dentons South Africa recognized by Best Lawyers 2025

November 14, 2024

Best Lawyers ® have recognized Dentons South Africa for its remarkable contribution to the local legal industry as part of Best Lawyers 2025. Recognizing our lawyers, Best Lawyers ® named the top performing legal minds within the various available practice areas in South Africa.

Dentons boosts its quality rankings in The Legal 500 EMEA 2024

April 3, 2024

The Legal 500 EMEA 2024 has awarded Dentons 260 practice and sector rankings across Europe, Middle East and Africa, including 82 Tier 1 and 82 Tier 2 standings. The Firm earned 35 new or improved practice rankings, confirming the ever-strengthening scope and quality of client services. In addition, we received a total of 282 individual rankings for 234 Dentons lawyers in 37 jurisdictions placing them among the leaders in their respective practice areas.

Dentons South Africa recognized by Best Lawyers 2024

November 16, 2023

Best Lawyers ^® have recognized Dentons South Africa for its remarkable contribution to the local legal industry as part of Best Lawyers 2023. Recognizing our lawyers, Best Lawyers ^® named the top performing legal minds within the various available practice areas in South Africa.

View all recognition for South Africa

Insights

Effective risk mitigation in African hotel and resort development

April 10, 2025

South Africa: Hotel development in Africa requires careful navigation of multiple legal frameworks, including construction, real estate, hospitality licensing, FDIs and employment. This calls for an integrated approach to risk management, combining legal expertise with on-the-ground advisory experience.

Indian government approves bill to ratify Cape Town Convention

February 28, 2025

BRICS: Through its Union Cabinet, the Indian government has approved a bill to ratify the Cape Town Convention, 2001 (“Cape Town Convention”). This is a positive step towards a more harmonised trade environment for the founding member states of the multi-jurisdictional trading bloc referred to as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

Ease airlines ownership regulations for growth

February 20, 2025

South Africa: The ongoing ownership dispute involving FlySafair has shed light on the South African aviation regulatory landscape. At the core of these considerations is whether South Africa’s stringent ownership requirements remain viable in today’s globalised economy.

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News and Events

Recent Press Releases

New Dentons report: Infrastructure is the gateway to Africa’s global investment breakthrough

December 19, 2024

Despite its abundant natural resources, excellent conditions for renewable energy generation, and young population, Africa’s economic potential remains largely untapped, with infrastructure investment holding the key to unlocking both current opportunities and long-term prosperity. These are the key findings of From Riches to Returns, a new report released by Dentons.

Dentons announces Mohamed Zaanouni as new Africa Region CEO

December 12, 2024

Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm, today announces that Mohamed Zaanouni will succeed Noor Kapdi as CEO for its Africa Region. Zaanouni will assume the role on January 1, 2025.