Best Project Finance Lawyers in Dokki

1. About Project Finance Law in Dokki, Egypt

Project finance in Dokki, Egypt generally follows the same core structure used across the country. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) is created to own the project and raise funds from lenders on a non-recourse basis, meaning debt repayment relies primarily on project cash flows rather than the sponsors’ other assets. In Dokki, developers typically pursue energy, water, transport, or industrial projects that require long tenors and complex risk allocation.

Egyptian law supports project finance through a framework that blends corporate, contract, and financial regulations. Key features include off-take agreements, engineering, procurement and construction contracts, and long-term operation and maintenance arrangements. The legal counsel you hire in Dokki should align these agreements with Egyptian security interests and civil and commercial law concepts to protect lenders and sponsors alike.

In practice, project finance deals in Dokki involve close coordination with government bodies and regulators. Counsel often helps with SPV governance, licensing, and ensuring that the project complies with investment incentives and foreign ownership rules. The approach emphasizes procedural clarity, enforceable security packages, and predictable dispute resolution paths.

Understanding the local environment is essential. Dokki sits within the Cairo region and is governed by Egyptian court systems, the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), the Egyptian Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), and the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) for financing matters. External lenders frequently require robust due diligence and standardized project documentation crafted by experienced advocate-lawyers in Cairo. GAFI provides the official single-window approach to investment licensing, which can streamline project approvals. FRA oversees capital markets and certain financial arrangements that intersect with project finance. CBE governs banking practices and currency matters that affect funding and repatriation.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer with project finance experience in Dokki can prevent costly missteps and delays. The following real-world scenarios illustrate concrete needs you may encounter.

• You plan to form an SPV and structure non-recourse debt for a new solar plant near Cairo. A lawyer can draft the SPV documents, negotiate lender-approved ownership rules, and ensure security interests attach to project assets only.
• You are negotiating a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with an offtaker such as a utility or private buyer. Legal counsel can align the PPA with Egyptian energy regulations and ensure enforceable payment terms and change-in-law protections.
• You need to secure regulatory approvals from GAFI and obtain investment incentives under the Investment Law No. 72 of 2017. An advocate can prepare documentation, monitor timelines, and handle regulatory submissions.
• You seek cross-border project financing with lenders that require local security packages. A lawyer can draft mortgage and assignment agreements, perfection filings, and step-in rights to protect lenders in Egypt and abroad.
• You face disputes with EPC contractors or O&M providers or must enforce performance guarantees. An advocate can pursue arbitration or court remedies and manage contract termination processes within Egyptian procedural rules.
• You are evaluating a potential PPP opportunity in Dokki or within Greater Cairo. A legal team can navigate PPP procurement procedures, risk allocation, and government warranties under applicable law.

3. Local Laws Overview

The following laws and regulations are central to project finance in Dokki. They govern investment incentives, public-private collaborations, and contract-based financing in Egypt.

• Investment Law No. 72 of 2017 and related executive regulations. This law sets the framework for national and foreign investments, including licensing, guarantees, and the establishment of one-stop filing through GAFI. It remains a cornerstone for attracting private capital to project finance ventures in Egypt, including in Dokki. Effective since 2017.
• Public-Private Partnership Law No. 67 of 2010 and its regulatory updates. This law provides the structure for government-led collaborations with private entities on infrastructure projects, including procurement, risk sharing, and tariff mechanisms. It remains the baseline for PPP transactions and is frequently consulted in large Dokki infrastructure initiatives. Effective since 2010.
• Egyptian Civil Code No. 131 of 1948, with related contract and property provisions. The Civil Code governs contractual relationships, security interests, and property rights that underlie project finance agreements, including mortgages, pledges, and assignment of rights. It provides the key legal concepts used in negotiating project finance documents in Egypt.

For official texts and updates, consult government and regulator portals such as the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), the Egyptian Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), and the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE). These agencies publish ongoing guidance relevant to project finance in Dokki and across Egypt. GAFI - FRA - CBE.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Here are common questions about project finance in Dokki, with concise answers to help you decide whether to seek legal counsel.

What is project finance and how does it work in Egypt?

Project finance uses a dedicated SPV to own the project and borrow primarily against its cash flows. In Egypt, lenders require strong off-take agreements, performance guarantees, and secure interest in project assets. Counsel coordinates documentation and ensures regulatory compliance.

How do I form an SPV in Egypt for a project?

Forming an SPV involves choosing a suitable corporate vehicle, completing registration with GAFI if needed, and executing the project and financing agreements. Lawyers draft shareholder agreements and ensure corporate governance aligns with Egyptian law.

What is a PPA and who negotiates it?

A PPA is a long-term contract between the project company and the off-taker for electricity or other outputs. Typically the SPV negotiates a PPA with the offtaker, with counsel ensuring tariff terms, payment security, and regulatory compliance.

How much equity is typically required to start a project in Egypt?

Equity requirements vary by project type, lender appetite, and risk. Project finance deals often target a portion of total project cost from sponsors, with debt comprising the remainder. A lawyer can tailor equity structures to lender covenants.

Do I need a local partner to secure financing in Dokki?

Foreign-funded projects commonly involve local partners or subsidiaries to satisfy regulatory, tax, and licensing requirements. A local advocate can structure ownership, carry out due diligence, and coordinate with regulators.

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

Closing times depend on project complexity and regulatory approvals. A typical energy project may require 9 to 18 months from initial term sheet to signing all financing documents, with Dokki-based counsel coordinating timelines.

What are the main security interests lenders require?

Lenders often require first-ranking mortgages on project assets, assignment of contracts and rights, bank equivalents for off-take payments, and step-in rights to protect cash flows. Lawyers draft and perfect these interests under Egyptian law.

Can foreign investors obtain financing for Egyptian projects?

Yes, foreign investors can obtain financing in Egypt, subject to regulatory approvals and currency controls. An Egyptian advocate can navigate cross-border documentation and ensure compliance with local and international lenders.

What are the steps to obtain investment incentives under the Investment Law 72 of 2017?

Steps typically include registering the project with GAFI, submitting investment plans, and applying for incentives. Counsel coordinates the documentation, ensures eligibility, and tracks regulatory decisions.

How is tax treatment handled for project finance in Egypt?

Tax treatment depends on project structure and incentives. The Investment Law and related regulations can affect corporate tax rates and exemptions. A tax-savvy advocate ensures alignment with incentives and withholding tax rules.

What is the role of authorities in PPP projects in Dokki?

Authorities set procurement rules, issue licenses, and supervise risk allocation under PPP frameworks. Counsel assists with tender documentation, negotiations, and compliance with PPP-specific procedures.

What dispute resolution options exist if a project fails?

Options include expedited court relief, arbitration (often ICC or LCIA), and enforcement of guarantees. A Dokki-based advocate can guide you through procedural steps and enforceability issues.

5. Additional Resources

The resources below are official entities with direct functions relevant to project finance in Egypt.

• General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) - One-stop shop for investment licensing, registration, and approvals; hosts information on investment incentives and company formation. https://gafi.gov.eg
• Egyptian Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) - Regulates non-banking financial markets and investment activities related to project finance, including disclosure and licensing for certain financing structures. https://fra.gov.eg
• Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) - Oversees banking regulation, foreign exchange, and monetary policy that impact project finance funding and repatriation of proceeds. https://cbe.org.eg

6. Next Steps

1. Define project scope and assemble a core team, including an advocate with project finance experience in Dokki, an engineer, and a financial advisor. Establish a realistic project timeline and budget.
2. Engage a Dokki-based or Cairo-area project finance lawyer to assess regulatory requirements and assist with SPV formation and initial documentation. Schedule a kickoff within 2 weeks.
3. Prepare the initial documentation package for GAFI, lenders, and contractors. Include feasibility studies, preliminary PPA or off-take terms, and high-level security proposals.
4. Draft the SPV governance framework, security package, and key contracts (PPA, EPC, O&M). Align with Egyptian Civil Code concepts and lender covenants. Target a draft within 6 weeks of engagement.
5. Initiate due diligence with lenders and regulators. Gather title, permits, environmental approvals, and tax compliance records. Expect a 4- to 8-week due diligence period.
6. Negotiate and finalize term sheets, coordinating with GAFI for investment licensing and with FRA for any capital markets aspects. Prepare for a formal financing close within 3-6 months after due diligence ends.
7. Close the financing, record security interests, and execute all documents. Implement a post-close plan for compliance, reporting, and schedule adherence. Plan a post-close review at 6 months.