Nick O’Connell

Law Update: Africa

This month we bring you a special focus on a continent that boasts the world’s largest free trade area, a diverse economic make-up and increasing political stability. The latest edition of Law Update focuses on Africa, a territory that continues to be an attractive business and investment destination.

Like the rest of the world, Africa is still re-building from the impact of COVID-19, however, there continues to be an optimistic view of the opportunities the continent presents. An example of the appetite for investment into Africa was captured in a report we commissioned, titled Legal Leaders in MENA. Our survey of legal leaders revealed a resounding desire to expand into new territories, with 81% naming Africa as their investment destination of choice.

Read the full edition

The leading law firm in the Middle East & North Africa region.

Biography

Nick has been with Al Tamimi & Company for about ten years, initially specialising in intellectual property, but for most of his time with the firm as a key member of the Technology, Media and Telecommunications team. Nick’s practice area includes technology transactions (including procurement, software licensing, consultancy services and outsourcing), technology and intellectual property aspects of corporate and commercial transactions, privacy and data protection, e-commerce, media and advertising, and telecommunications. Nick is the author for the UAE chapter of Data Protection & Privacy, 3rd Edition (the Sweet & Maxwell International Series).

Recent Experience

An international telecommunications company in respect of local law considerations relating to the proposed launch of a mobile app for third party remittance and mobile top-up services;
A major financial services provider in respect of regional data protection compliance;
Various international healthcare and education sector technology providers in respect of local government procurement requirements, and associated contractual negotiations;
Global internet data centre providers in respect of the regional regulatory environment for the establishment and operation of data centres and cloud computing operations;
A global social media platform operator in respect of regional content regulation and risks associated with the proposed roll-out of a curated content offering;
An oil & gas sector technology provider in respect of a dispute involving rights in software code developed in the course of a project;
A number of local banks with regard to a variety of operational technology agreements, including data hosting, software licences, annual maintenance agreements, mobile device applications, prepaid card systems, security and communications.