Clifford Chance (CC) is ramping up its focus on Africa amid much law firm interest in the region with a two-day event attended by 60 law firms from across the continent.

The event, which took place in London last week, was attended by 80 lawyers from 30 different African countries, bringing together CC lawyers and African counsel with whom the firm works with on a regular basis in a bid to build closer working relationships.

The event also allowed CC clients to meet the magic circle firm's lawyers from its Africa practice.

CC opened its first African office in Morocco in 2011 and is understood to be considering its options in other key regional hubs including Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa.

The firm has recently worked alongside African lawyers advising Actis on the $43m (£29m) exit from listed Ugandan bank, DFCU, to Norfund and Rabo Development. The deal was the first of its kind and involved a block market trade on the Uganda Securities Exchange which was settled offshore in London. The firm also advised on the debut $300m (£202m) Eurobond offering by Nigeria's Fidelity Bank.

CC senior partner Malcolm Sweeting said: "Our strategy for Africa is an integral part of our wider commitment to supporting our clients across growth markets. Clients now, more than ever, want access to deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of the African investment landscape.

"Our knowledge and experience within the region are critical but so is our understanding and expertise in China, India, the Middle East and other markets which are increasingly important to Africa."

The news comes after magic circle rival Slaughter and May last year 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.

DLA Piper is also currently drawing up a new Africa strategy as the firm eyes closer integration with its current network of allies on the continent.