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August 20 2026
Agreement signed in Shenzhen strengthens Africa–China legal cooperation and positions DABLO as the firms’ primary point of contact for Ethiopian legal matters
ADDIS ABABA / SHENZHEN, August 19, 2026 — DABLO Law Firm LLP, a full-service business law firm based in Addis Ababa and a member of the Lex Africa pan-African legal network, today announced the signing of a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Beijing DHH Law Firm & Shandong DH, two of China’s largest full-service law firms. The agreement was signed on August 19, 2026 at DHH’s Shenzhen office by Dawit Kidane, Managing Partner of DABLO, and Ms. Zhao Qiannan, Partner at DHH’s Shenzhen office and Deputy Director of DHH’s International Development Committee, who oversees the firm’s Africa-facing business and development.
The Agreement establishes a non-exclusive framework for professional cooperation among the three firms on cross-border and international legal matters, including case referrals, exchange of information, and collaborative client support. Under its terms, DABLO will serve as the primary point of legal contact for matters relating to Ethiopia, including regulatory, corporate, investment, dispute resolution, and compliance work, while each firm remains independently responsible for the advice and services it provides in its own jurisdiction.
The cooperation reflects growing legal and commercial links between Ethiopia and China and gives clients of all three firms a coordinated channel of support as they pursue cross-border investment, trade, and dispute resolution matters spanning the two markets.
“We are proud to be working with one of the largest and most prominent law firms in China, with more than 3,000 lawyers in China alone and more than 40 branch offices. Chinese clients, and clients of DHH & DH, who are seeking a legal advisor in Africa can now be connected directly to Africa and to Ethiopia through DABLO. As a member of Lex Africa, a network of 33 African member firms and more than 600 lawyers across the continent, DABLO is well placed to support that connection and to give our Chinese partners a trusted route into African markets. We look forward to building this partnership on shared professional standards and a genuine commitment to serving our clients well.”
— Dawit Kidane, Managing Partner, DABLO Law Firm LLP
“Africa is an increasingly important part of our international development strategy, and Ethiopia is one of its most dynamic markets. DABLO’s reputation for quality, professionalism, and deep local knowledge made this an easy decision for us. Through this cooperation, DHH and DH can offer our clients seamless, well-coordinated support as they expand their business between China and Ethiopia, and we look forward to a long and productive partnership.”
— Ms. Zhao Qiannan, Partner, DHH Shenzhen Office; Deputy Director, DHH International Development Committee
The Agreement took effect on the date of signing and the three firms will remain independent professional entities.
DABLO Law Firm LLP is a full-service business law firm based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and a member of the Lex Africa pan-African legal network, which brings together 33 member firms and more than 600 lawyers across the continent. The firm advises domestic and international clients on corporate, investment, regulatory, capital markets, M&A, and cross-border transactions across English and Amharic legal contexts.
Founded in 2010, Beijing DHH Law Firm (DHH) is a law firm dedicated to specialization, standardization, globalization, and client satisfaction. Headquartered in Beijing, DHH has over 2,000 practitioners in more than 50 offices located in China and numerous investment and trade hotspots overseas. DHH embraces the service philosophy of “Professionalism, Concentration, Specialization, and Dedication,” focusing on its clients’ goals and ambitions.
As one of the earliest partnership law firms in China, Shandong Deheng Law Firm (Shandong DH) was established in Qingdao, Shandong in December 1993. Shandong DH has always adhered to the professional philosophy of “pursuing excellence and justice.” Shandong DH is known for its advanced management mode, and has achieved rapid development as a result. The law firm has been awarded the title of Excellent Law Firm by the PRC Ministry of Justice, National Outstanding Law Firm, Top 10 Law Firms in Mainland China (Asian Legal Business), and other honors. Shandong DH is among the most influential full-service law firms in China.
