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MaameYaa Kwafo-Akoto

Partner

Email

maameyaa.kwafo-akoto@aoshearman.com

Phone

+44 203 088 3516

Offices

London

V-CARD
MaameYaa has over 15 years of experience advising sovereign wealth funds, central banks, family offices, insurance companies, pension funds and development finance institutions around the world on their investment arrangements.

On a daily basis, MaameYaa advises investors on asset management issues and strategic global and national issues.

Her work includes public investments and private fund investments (both cornerstone and smaller amounts), single investor mandates and co-investment arrangements covering all asset classes including infrastructure and energy, as well as a wide variety of other agreements and financial services regulatory issues. MaameYaa spent time on secondment to a government entity in Riyadh in 2017 and an Emirati government entity in 2021.

Experience

Representative matters

  • Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund on a broad range of fund investments into credit, real estate, private equity and hedge funds. The value of these investments range between USD10m – USD3bn.
  • Middle Eastern pension fund on a range of co-investments, managed accounts and funds-of-one as well as Custody arrangements and brokerage agreements. 
  • African sovereign wealth fund on its fund investments and portfolio due diligence.
  • UK local pension fund on a range of fund matters including investments and regulatory advice.

Pro bono

  • Advising the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority on its Covid-19 relief fund.
  • Member of the Fair Education Alliance (FEA). The FEA seeks to overcome the challenges young people from low income communities face in education.
  • School governor at the Bishop Chancellor school in Tower Hamlets.
  • Introducing Allen & Overy to AfriKids which was selected as the firm’s charity partner; the firm has to date made a donation of GBP1.37m and delivered multiple pro bono projects.
  • A founding member of the BAME Committee, MaameYaa works with the firm to progress its vision of increasing the number of ethnic minorities at senior levels. Evidence of MaameYaa’s ability to influence internally is best seen by the firm’s decision to formally introduce a structured mentoring programme and career development opportunities.
  • MaameYaa is the founder of the Black Lawyers Affinity Group (BLAG). BLAG is an affinity group that aims to support black employees of A&O through networking, mentoring and training.

Recognition

“MaameYaa provides a consistent [and] excellent level of service and expertise. She is exceptionally hard working, responsive and understanding of our business and our needs. ”
Legal 500, Private Funds, 2020
“Kwafo-Akoto is praised for her technical expertise being regarded as a trusted strategic advisor to a number of central banks and sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East and West Africa. ”
Rising Star in Legal Week’s British Legal Awards 2019

Awards

  • Rising Star in Legal Week’s British Legal Awards 2019.
  • Listed as a Female Future Leader by Financial Times HERoes for championing the conversation on diversity and inclusion.
  • Listed in Financial Times EMpower Minority Future Leaders.
  • Recognised in The Lawyer Hot 100 2024.

Qualifications

Admissions

Admitted as solicitor, England and Wales, 2012 

Academic

2006-2007: Legal Practice Course, College of Law (London)

2004-2006: Graduate Diploma in Law, College of Law (London) – (completed part time in the evenings over two years)

2001-2004: BA (Anthropology and Sociology) Goldsmiths, University of London

Languages

English
Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.