Tim Scales
Image of Tim Scales

Tim Scales

Partner

Email

tim.scales@aoshearman.com

Phone

+44 20 3088 4878

Offices

London

V-CARD
Tim leads the Africa Group and is a recognised expert on energy and infrastructure projects across the continent, drawing on more than 30 years of experience working in Africa.
He possesses a wealth of expertise in project development and finance, regularly advising sponsors, project companies, and lenders across a broad range of sectors, including renewables, conventional power, infrastructure, oil and gas, telecommunications, mining, and other industrial fields. Tim has particular experience in advising on financings supported by multilateral institutions, development finance institutions, and export credit agencies. Beyond his extensive work in Africa, he has also advised on major projects in Western, Central, and Eastern Europe, as well as the Middle East.

Expertise

Industries

Experience

Representative matters

  • The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority on the establishment of an investment platform with Vitol for sustainable development and carbon reduction projects in Nigeria. 
  • African Development Bank as mandated lead arranger, together with a group of other DFIs on the proposed financing of the development of the 192MW Sahofika hydro power plant in Madagascar. 
  • Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited on the financing, construction and sub-concession arrangements for the development of Lekki deep sea port in Lagos State, Nigeria.
  • IFC, EBRD, AIIB, DEG and PROPARCO on the construction, supply of equipment, financing, operation and maintenance of the second container terminal at the Damietta Port in Egypt. 
  • Africa Finance Corporation on the financing of the cobalt copper Kipushi Tailings mining project in The Democratic Republic of Congo. 
  • A global financial insititution, a sovereign wealth fund, AfDB and DBSA on the financing of the development of a 35MW hydro power plant near Kinguélé, in Gabon. 
  • Africa Finance Corporation on the financing of the Kasomeno Mwenda toll road project between The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia, sponsored by GED Africa. 
  • IFC on a USD100m debt financing (as part of a USD257m investment package including equity and guarantees) to support the ongoing construction and operation of Safaricom Ethiopia's greenfield telecommunications network across Ethiopia, leading to more affordable internet, reliable mobile connectivity and technology access for people and businesses in the country.

Published Work

Scales. T, Beaton. S, (2008) "Impact of Fuel Subsidies on IPP Project Financing", African Energy Forum

Speaking Engagements

  • "The last trends of investment in India", 02/07/2008
  • "Protection des investissements en matière énergétique", 20/03/2007 

Recognition

“Tim has decades-long experience and is a very good, very strong lawyer.”
Chambers Global 2025: Africa-wide: Projects & Energy
“He is very 'present' and able to assist in driving negotiations forward. He helps us find a legally sound option which is also an outcome that protects our interests.”
Chambers Global 2025: Africa-wide: Projects & Energy

Qualifications

Admissions

Admitted as Solicitor, England and Wales, 1995

Academic

Bachelor of Arts, Durham University, 1990

Languages

English, French, German
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.