Eversheds Sutherland (International) has advised the Government of Rwanda as international legal counsel in relation to the development of the country’s new international airport under a Public Private Partnership structure, alongside Mott MacDonald as technical advisers and Factum Law as local legal counsel.

The firm was appointed following a competitive tender to advise on various elements, including on the Concession Agreement, Shareholders Agreement and Construction Contract, under an appointment supported by the African Legal Support Facility.  The timeframe from instruction to completion of documentation was three and half months. Contracts were signed in Kigali on 1 July.  The project now moves to the financing phase.

The project is part of the Government’s commitment to accelerate economic growth and strengthen its infrastructure. Bugesera International Airport will replace the country’s existing international airport, Kigali International Airport. It is scheduled to handle over one million passengers during its first phase, which is due for completion in 2018. The airport is being developed as a joint venture between Aviation Travel and Logistics Holdings Limited (ATL) - on behalf of the Rwandan Government – and Mota Engil Engenharia e Construcao Africa, the Portuguese construction company.

The first phase involves building passenger and cargo terminals and a 4.2 km runway to handle large commercial airplanes, while later phases will include a second runway and more terminals.

International Projects Partner Howard Barrie led negotiations for the Eversheds Sutherland team supported by Principal Associate Lynne Wells (who has been on secondment in Kenya over this period) and Associate Madhulika Kanaujia. Commercial Partner Kuljeet Gill advised on the Shareholders Agreement and Construction Partner Dominic Lacey advised on the legal aspects of the Construction Agreement.

Commenting on the project Howard Barrie said:

“It is a great privilege to have worked with the Government of Rwanda on such a significant project. As Rwanda is a landlocked country a new and modern airport is crucial for the development of its tourist industry and its position as a regional hub. While we faced a challenging timeframe, we worked closely and collaboratively with the Government to get this over the line.”