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De Gaulle Fleurance in the Middle East opens up to the African continent

Firm Life 12 May 2025

De Gaulle Fleurance EMEA has announced the opening of an office in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) to assist investors – particularly from the Middle East – with their projects on the African continent. The office is headed by Mounira Coulibaly Akougbé.

The United Arab Emirates is establishing itself as one of Africa’s most important investment partners, alongside China, the European Union, and the United States. This strategic region is rich in natural resources and is developing rapidly. With an office in Abidjan, De Gaulle Fleurance aims to facilitate the operations of the investors it supports, particularly from its subsidiary in Abu Dhabi.

Originally from Côte d’Ivoire, Mounira Coulibaly Akougbé advises companies and public bodies on their projects, particularly in the infrastructure, energy, mining, tourism and artificial intelligence sectors. After graduating from high school in France, she spent more than 10 years in the United States, where she obtained a doctorate in law from Emory University School of Law. A member of the New York and Paris Bars, she worked for six years in international law firms. Mounira Coulibaly Akougbé is now a qualified legal adviser in Abidjan.

"I am proud to join De Gaulle Fleurance EMEA and to contribute to developing its presence on the African continent. My knowledge of Côte d'Ivoire, where I grew up, as well as the strategic sectors for the continent, are an asset for the investors that De Gaulle Fleurance supports"

Mounira Coulibaly AkougbéManaging Director of the Abidjan office of De Gaulle Fleurance EMEA
Mounira
Coulibaly
Legal Counsel

"We are delighted to welcome Mounira Coulibaly Akougbé to our Group. With this office in Abidjan, we want to provide a new service to the companies and public bodies that place their trust in us, and support them in their investment projects on the African continent"

Jean-Baptiste SantelliPartner and CEO of De Gaulle Fleurance EMEA Ltd
Jean-Baptiste
Santelli
Partner

De Gaulle Fleurance Africa
Complexe Laguna Gate
Boulevard de France
Cocody, Riviera Golf 4
Abidjan

About us

De Gaulle Fleurance is a leading player in business law. It supports its clients in both advisory and litigation matters, in France and abroad, with:

  • 200 people dedicated to client relationships built on excellence, responsiveness, and creativity;
  • A full-service practice assisting businesses and public entities with their structural developments  (mergers and acquisitions, corporate and project financing…) and their operational activities (commercial contracts, public procurement, joint ventures…);
  • An expertise recognized by the business community (Chambers, The Legal 500, Best Lawyers);
  • A presence in Paris, Brussels, Geneva, Abu Dhabi and Abidjan;
  • An international culture and the ability to mobilize a network of correspondents across all continents.

Press contacts:

Constance Baudry, +33 (0)6 82 43 69 62, constance.baudry@agence-constance.fr

Sarah Maouchi, +33 (0)7 57 76 83 97, sarah.maouchi@agence-constance.fr

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