Lusophone legal connections. Interview with Francisca Mendes da Costa

SÉRVULO IN THE PRESS 08 Apr 2025 in Iberian Lawyer

Legal partnerships between Portugal, Brazil, Africa and Asia are evolving, fuelled by shared history, a common language and new markets. The timing was no coincidence: Brazilian interest in the European country has never been greater. Likewise, alliances between Portuguese law firms and those in Portuguese-speaking Africa and Asia continue to grow. This movement is supported by strong historical, legal, and cultural ties between these countries, but is also driven by new economic opportunities.

The main Portuguese law firms have been present in the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) since the early 1990s, in a longstanding relationship that also benefits from a common civil law system.

Since these are economies undergoing evolution and diversification, there is still room for growth in all industries, with an emphasis on energy, mining, infrastructure, financial systems, and telecommunications. Angola and Mozambique, currently in economic recovery, stand out in these sectors, while Cape Verde focuses on tourism and clean energy. Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe present opportunities in fishing and agriculture. "In the context of the global economy, Africa has shown one of the highest potentials for growth, attractiveness, and opportunities", says Francisca Mendes da Costa, partner in the public law department at Sérvulo & Associados. 

Sérvulo also highlights international arbitration, capital markets, corporate governance, public contracts, and public procurement as growing fields. "We have participated in various legislative review and public procurement system update projects in countries such as São Tomé and Príncipe and Angola", reports Francisca Mendes da Costa. 

Lusophone Asia, represented by Timor-Leste and Macau, also attracts investors. Timor-Leste is seeking to diversify its economy, creating opportunities in infrastructure, tourism, and agriculture. The Macau Special Administrative Region, in turn, is seen as a bridge to the Chinese market and offers opportunities in trade, arbitration, and financial regulation, with its casino sector and integration into the Greater Bay Area. The international presence of Portuguese law firms is usually established through local alliances, ensuring knowledge of local regulatory particularities. The hybrid model combines local expertise with a global vision, allowing for specialized advisory services adapted to each context. "Network-based operations provide a competitive advantage over local and international competitors", notes Francisca Mendes da Costa.

However, aspects such as bureaucracy, legislative changes, and political volatility in some countries can bring challenges. "The digitalization of law, the modernization of public procurement systems, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms will become even more relevant, promoting greater legal certainty in these markets", adds the partner of SÉRVULO.