Client: GreenVolt Africa Ltd.
Industry: Renewable Energy
Service Provided: Joint Venture Structuring & Legal Advisory
Location: Kenya & Germany
GreenVolt Africa Ltd., a Kenyan renewable energy startup, was looking to expand its footprint by partnering with a German solar tech company, Solargen GmbH. The objective was to form a joint venture that would leverage GreenVolt’s local expertise and Solargen’s cutting-edge technology to develop solar farms in East Africa.
However, navigating the legal complexities of a cross-border joint venture—especially in a heavily regulated industry like energy—presented a formidable challenge. From regulatory compliance and due diligence to equity structuring and tax implications, GreenVolt needed expert legal guidance to protect its interests and ensure smooth execution.
GreenVolt engaged Innovate Advocates LLP for their in-depth knowledge of joint ventures, cross-border transactions, and sector-specific legal requirements.
Our legal team provided end-to-end services, including:
Due diligence on both parties and project assets
Drafting and negotiation of the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA)
Structuring the equity and governance framework
Regulatory compliance with Kenyan energy and investment laws
Tax advisory and repatriation of profits strategy
Ongoing legal counsel for post-setup operations
The collaboration resulted in the successful formation of SolVolt East Africa Ltd., a joint venture valued at USD 12 million, officially launched in Nairobi in Q1 2024.
Thanks to the meticulous planning and legal structuring by Innovate Advocates LLP, the joint venture was formed on time, within budget, and with clearly defined roles and dispute resolution mechanisms.
This enabled both companies to proceed confidently with a pilot solar plant in Machakos County, projected to power 15,000 households.
“Partnering with Innovate Advocates LLP was a game-changer. Their understanding of joint ventures and ability to translate complex legal language into actionable business strategy made all the difference. From negotiating terms with our German partners to ensuring we complied with Kenyan regulations, their support was exceptional. We now have a solid legal foundation to grow our venture across East Africa.”
— Daniel Karanja, CEO, GreenVolt Africa Ltd.