Slaughter and May is making a push to tighten its links with African law firms as the magic circle firm moves to build up its practice in the region, amid growing attention from the international legal market.

The firm last week teamed up with European best friends Bonelli Erede Pappalardo, Bredin Prat, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, Hengeler Mueller and Uria Menendez to host a conference in Botswana attended by 27 law firms from 16 African countries.

The initiative is expected to result in Slaughters building closer relationships with a number of firms across the continent.

Law firms attending the conference included: Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie (Nigeria), Bentsi-Enchill Letsa & Ankomah (Ghana), Collins Newman & Co (Botswana), Anjarwalla & Khanna (Kenya), MMAKS Advocates (Uganda) and John W Ffooks & Co (headquartered in Madagascar).

The two-day event, which looked at legal, transactional and commercial practice and expectations in the continent, was also attended by a host of clients, including Diageo, Philips and Standard Chartered Bank.

Following the meeting, Slaughters – whose Africa group is led by corporate heavyweight Nigel Boardman – has opened up access to its training materials to attendees and also set up a questions hotline.

Slaughters corporate partner Helen Griffiths, who has been involved in the initiative, said: "Everybody is conscious of the increasing opportunities in Africa – it's a dynamic and interesting place to do business. We already have a significant practice in Africa, which we're looking to strengthen; and we're always working to make sure that we can service our clients' increasing need for African advice.

"There are a number of firms with whom we already work and the main purpose of this conference was to reinforce those relationships and to enhance our ability to work effectively together and with our mutual clients."

The Attorney General of Botswana, Athaliah Molokomme, and the President of the Court of Appeal in Botswana, Ian Kirby, also provided keynote speeches on the importance of the rule of law and the role that the courts are playing in ensuring an investor friendly environment in Botswana.

Slaughters has bucked the trend for international expansion over the last decade, opting to operate a network of 'best friend' firms rather than opening its own offices. Alongside its City base, the firm has offices in Hong Kong, Beijing and Brussels.

The news comes amid a flurry of activity in Africa this week, with Norton Rose announcing a launch in Tanzania and Canada's Fasken Martineau securing a merger with South African outfit Bell Dewar.

Legal Week's inaugural Corporate Counsel Forum Africa is set to take place on 8 November – click here for more information.