Spotlight on: Lilian Cadel Biassaly, Cabinet Juridique Biassaly (Gabon)

Tell us about your career highlights to date? 

After studying Law in Gabon and Senegal, and previously working in Gabon, I joined Houda Law Firm in Dakar (Senegal) as a Legal Counsel. At the Houda office in Senegal, I had the chance to work on complex cases involving Oil & Gas Law, Labor Law and Corporate Law. 

My career really took a turn when, in 2019, I decided to join Houda's secondary office in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, as a Legal Counsel working mainly on labor law and the drafting/review of business contracts. Throughout my career in West Africa, I benefited from the solid advice of Houda's partners. Their confidence in me has boosted my self-belief and given me an extensive knowledge of customers' needs in terms of advice in Africa.

In 2021, as a Gabonese professional living outside the country and after obtaining an Order as a registered legal advisor in Gabon, I decided to create Cabinet Juridique Biassaly and return to my home country to meet the constant challenge and need for legal advice and assistance to investors. Today, our Firm ranks among the best in corporate law, oil & Gas law, Mining law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Banking and infrastructure, and Personal Data.

The most memorable moments of my career took place in 2023, 2024 and this year, when I was involved in major transactions. 

First, I was involved in the merger of two insurance companies, including a subsidiary based in Gabon. This deal required constant contact with the competition Authorities and the local administration in charge of the insurance sector. Then, as local counsel, I participated in the acquisition of a Gabonese company operating in the extractive sector. The deal was a high-stakes one, and required a clear understanding of the government's position on the transaction, in a particularly political context.

In 2025, with Cabinet Biassaly, I once again advised on the acquisition of a local company operating in the gas sector. This transaction required us to analyze the environmental implications, as well as CEMAC exchange regulations. Finally, I intervened in financing operations involving the Gabonese government. This challenge enabled me to appreciate the role that legal counsel can play in facilitating relations and negotiations between parties in a particular context of political transition.

Today, as a 36-year-old young Manager, I'm very proud to working on important projects for Gabon. I'm also very grateful to be supported by a multidisciplinary young legal team working in both French and English.

What are you most excited about in 2025 / what are your goals in the coming months for your firm? 

This year, we have decided to focus more on business law practice in Africa and Gabon. Given technological developments, we are striving to be a connected firm with a strong web presence.

We regularly take part in training courses focusing on the firm's areas of expertise, such as Mergers and Acquisitions, Mining and Personal Data. This year, we also plan to participate in high-level investment seminars. In November 2025, we will once again take part in the “Ambition Africa” event in Paris. This is a high-level meeting involving leading African market operators, with B2B networking. It's essential for us to be fully involved and to join networks of international business lawyers. More importantly, we are delighted to be among the privileged correspondents of international law firms on important projects. 

On the social and humanitarian level, we recently joined the Association Gabonaise des Juristes d'Entreprise et d'Administration. This association gives us the opportunity to support vulnerable Gabonese populations, promote the law in Gabon and help them with the necessary administrative formalities.

Talk to us about doing business in Gabon and how you navigate market challenges within your scope of work? 

After a period of transition, Gabon remains an extremely attractive country, offering real investment opportunities in the mining, forestry and oil sectors. It is therefore undeniable to be sufficiently trained to respond effectively to the various requirements.

Given the legislative changes and institutional reforms underway in a new Republic, it is essential to constantly respond to the major challenges involved in these new changes, and to provide appropriate assistance to local and foreign investors in Gabon. To invest in Gabon, we believe that it is important to first understand the mentality of the Gabonese population, before considering the laws and regulations in force. To invest in priority sectors such as energy or forestry, it's essential to have a good understanding of the regulations governing local content and operating licenses.

It's also important to be aware of the tax measures offered by the country in each sector of activity. Our success in Gabon will therefore depend on our ability to adapt to the new Republic and to work with the new authorities and administrations involved.

What is the best and most honest advice ever given to you?

“Never stop learning and following the road of your Destiny”

Who are your dream dinner guests?

• Aliko Dangote
• Tony Elumelu
• Paulo Coelho de Souza
• Nassef Sawiris