Best Project Finance Lawyers in Dar El Salam

1. About Project Finance Law in Dar El Salam, Egypt

Project finance in Dar El Salam, Egypt operates within Egypt's broader investment and contract law framework. Transactions typically use a special purpose vehicle (SPV) whose cash flows repay debt, rather than relying solely on the sponsor’s assets. This approach is common for infrastructure, energy, and large industrial projects in Cairo’s districts, including Dar El Salam.

Key features include long term debt, off balance sheet project financing, and risk allocation among sponsors, lenders, and contractors. Egyptian law supports these structures through national frameworks for investment, contracts, and public-private partnerships. For residents, understanding the SPV concept and the parties involved helps in negotiations and risk assessment.

Practical guidance often points to official guidance on investment and PPP frameworks. Official resources outline how projects are structured, financed, and regulated in Egypt, including tendering rules and dispute resolution mechanisms. See official government sources for current procedures and updates.

Source: "Egyptian Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework supports large-scale infrastructure projects," detailing SPV structures and risk allocation. PPP Unit - Government of Egypt

For authoritative context, consult these government resources: - General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) offers guidelines on investment licensing and project structuring. GAFI - gafi.gov.eg - The PPP Unit provides procurement and contract templates for PPP projects. PPP Unit - ppp.gov.eg - The Egyptian Environment Agency and related environmental permits often relate to project siting and compliance. EEAA - eeaa.gov.eg

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

In Dar El Salam, complex project finance deals require legal counsel to prevent delays and costly disputes. Below are real-world scenarios where a lawyer's involvement is essential.

• Land and title due diligence for a solar project near Dar El Salam - A developer discovers disputed land titles or encumbrances. A lawyer reviews title deeds, land use restrictions, and registries to prevent future disputes that could halt construction.
• Negotiating a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a Cairo energy project - The PPA must align with Egyptian energy rules and financing terms. Counsel drafts and negotiates tariff provisions, termination rights, and risk allocations with the off-taker and lenders.
• Setting up an SPV and cross-border lending - Lenders require contract governance, board structures, and clear non-recourse terms. A lawyer helps draft shareholder agreements, intercreditor arrangements, and security packages.
• Structuring security interests over project assets - Banks demand perfected security interests and registration over equipment and accounts. A lawyer ensures perfection, priority, and enforcement provisions are properly filed.
• Navigating PPP procurement and tender documentation in Cairo - If a project is pursued under the PPP framework, counsel ensures compliance with bidding rules, concession terms, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering and KYC requirements - Financiers require thorough due diligence. A lawyer helps implement control measures, reporting procedures, and documentation trails.

3. Local Laws Overview

The following laws and regulations form the backbone for project finance in Dar El Salam. They govern financing, investment, and contractual frameworks used in large projects.

• Investment Law No. 72 of 2017 - Establishes the general regime for investment licensing, guarantees, and protections for domestic and foreign investors. It is a cornerstone for project finance and is updated via sector guidelines and ministerial resolutions. PPP Unit and GAFI provide consolidated guidance on how this law applies to large projects.
• Public-Private Partnership and Concessions Law No. 67 of 2010 (amended and implemented through subsequent guidance) - Provides the framework for PPP procurement, concession terms, risk allocation, and dispute resolution for large infrastructure and utility projects. It is frequently used for projects in Cairo and its outskirts, including Dar El Salam. PPP Unit
• Egyptian Civil Code and related contract laws (principles governing contracts, obligations, and security interests) - The Civil Code forms the baseline for all project contracts, SPV arrangements, and lender documentation. It governs interpretation of agreements, performance, and remedies in case of default. Egypt Government Portal

Recent trends include ongoing updates to streamline PPP tendering and clearer allocation of risks between sponsors and lenders. Official sources such as GAFI and the PPP Unit publish current tender rules and standard contract templates, which are essential for project finance teams in Dar El Salam.

Source: PPP Unit updates on procurement and concession terms for new projects in Cairo. PPP Unit - Government of Egypt

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is project finance and how does it differ from traditional lending?

Project finance uses a special purpose vehicle whose cash flows repay debt, not the sponsor's balance sheet. Lenders focus on project viability, contracts, and cash flow rather than overall sponsor assets.

How do I know if my project qualifies for an Egyptian PPP framework?

Projects typically qualify if they involve public infrastructure or services and require long term private investment. A preliminary screening by the PPP Unit helps determine eligibility and procurement steps.

What are the main steps to set up an SPV in Egypt for a project in Dar El Salam?

You need corporate registration, bank account opening, shareholding documentation, and a clear financing plan. An attorney helps draft the SPV’s articles, governance, and the intercreditor agreements.

How much does it cost to hire a project finance attorney in Cairo?

Fees vary by project size and complexity. Typical structured engagements include a retainer plus success-based milestones and hourly rates for drafting and negotiation.

Do I need to involve a local Egyptian lawyer for land transactions?

Yes. Local counsel ensures compliance with land registry, zoning, and permit requirements, which are essential to avoid title risks in Cairo and Dar El Salam.

What is a PPA and why is it important for financing?

A PPA sets the terms for electricity sale between the generator and purchaser. It governs pricing, payment timing, performance standards, and dispute resolution, impacting project cash flows.

How long does it typically take to close a project finance deal in Egypt?

Complex deals in Cairo may take 6 to 18 months from initial structuring to closing, depending on regulatory approvals and financing syndicate coordination.

What if there is a dispute during construction or operation?

Egyptian contracts often include arbitration or court-based dispute resolution. Your lawyer will draft enforceable dispute clauses and identify competent forums for resolution.

Do I need local content or Egyptian partner requirements?

Some sectors prefer local participation or partner involvement. A lawyer helps navigate any mandatory local content rules and aligns sponsorship structure accordingly.

What documentation should I prepare for a loan application?

Prepare project cash flow models, offtake agreements, EPC contracts, land titles, environmental permits, and corporate documents for the SPV and sponsors.

Is there a standard form for project finance agreements in Egypt?

While there are standard templates, lenders often customize terms through intercreditor agreements, security packages, and hedging provisions to fit project specifics.

5. Additional Resources

• General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) - Provides licensing guidance and investment regulations relevant to project finance. gafi.gov.eg
• Public-Private Partnership Unit (PPP Unit) - Oversees PPP procurement, tender documents, and concession terms. ppp.gov.eg
• CAPMAS - National statistical authority for data used in project viability and economic impact assessments. capmas.gov.eg

6. Next Steps

1. Identify your project type and scope to determine whether investment law, PPP, or standard project finance rules apply. Create a concise project brief for initial consultations.
2. Engage a project finance lawyer with experience in Cairo and Dar El Salam. Request a scope, timeline, and fee estimate in writing before any engagement.
3. Conduct early due diligence on land, permits, and offtake arrangements. Prepare preliminary SPV structure and a rough financing plan.
4. Consult with GAFI and the PPP Unit to confirm eligibility, procurement path, and required approvals. Document all responses for reference.
5. Draft and review key contracts: SPV formation documents, EPC and O&M agreements, PPA, and intercreditor and security agreements. Align with Egyptian contract law and local registry requirements.
6. Finalize financing package with lenders, including security perfection, hedging, and repayment waterfalls. Ensure compliance with AML/KYC requirements and local reporting.
7. Proceed to closing with a clear milestone timetable, including regulatory approvals, environmental permits, and land registrations. Maintain a project file with all signed documents and amendments.