DLA Piper Strengthens Africa Projects Practice With Melusi Dlamini Hire

DLA Piper Strengthens Africa Projects Practice with Melusi Dlamini Hire

International law firm DLA Piper has hired Melusi Dlamini, a London-based projects partner from Norton Rose Fulbright, to join its South Africa team, effective immediately.

Dlamini, who is qualified in England and Wales as well as South Africa, spent more than a decade at Norton Rose Fulbright, where he advised on renewable energy, battery storage projects, and large-scale infrastructure developments. His experience includes acting for major investors and multinational clients such as BP and ENGIE on complex, cross-border projects.

Commenting on the appointment, Johannes Gouws, Managing Partner of DLA Piper South Africa, said that Dlamini is a key addition to the firm’s projects practice across the African continent, highlighting his extensive experience and strong client portfolio as strategic assets for the firm’s regional growth.

Dlamini, who is relocating to South Africa for family reasons, noted that the global shift towards virtual working, combined with the similar time zones between South Africa and the U.K., will enable him to continue advising clients seamlessly on international transactions. Norton Rose Fulbright thanked Dlamini for his contribution to the firm and wished him well in his new role.

The hire comes amid significant investment in Africa’s critical infrastructure, including South Africa’s planned USD 25 billion transmission grid and the rapid expansion of data centre construction across the continent. In response, international law firms are actively strengthening their energy and infrastructure capabilities in the region.

Recent moves include Baker Botts hiring two Africa-focused energy partners in London, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer seeking an energy partner in Johannesburg, and Ashurst appointing a former Clifford Chance partner to lead its first Africa office in Morocco.

Dlamini’s appointment underscores DLA Piper’s commitment to expanding its African footprint and enhancing its ability to advise on complex, high-value energy and infrastructure projects across the continent.

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