Select a location

This selection will switch the site from presenting information primarily about Tanzania to information primarily about . If you would like to switch back, you may use location selection options at the top of the page.

People

Protase Ishengoma

Protase Ishengoma

Counsel, IMMMA Advocates

Protase Ishengoma, with outstanding legal career as one of the founding partners of IMMMA Advocates, made a significant impact on the legal landscape, especially in project finance, infrastructure, energy, and oil and gas law. With over three decades of dedicated service, Protase's expertise and leadership played a pivotal role in the firm's success.

As the former head of the project finance, infrastructure, energy, and oil and gas practice, Protase brought unparalleled insights and skills to the practice. His extensive experience covered various sectors, including infrastructure development, energy projects, and oil and gas ventures. Throughout his career, Protase has been instrumental in advising both public and private entities, cultivating strong relationships with the Governments of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.

Protase is renowned for his meticulous approach to complex commercial transactions, particularly in project financing. His attention to details and strategic guidance have been invaluable to clients navigating intricate legal landscapes.

Having retired from active legal practice on December 31, 2023, Protase now holds the esteemed title of "Of Counsel" to the firm.

Experience has included advising:

  • Rakgas Tanzania Limited on a product sharing agreement with Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation and the Tanzanian government
  • The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar on review of the Zanzibar Energy Policy and legislative drafting of the Energy Act
  • Tanzanian government on the transactional, legislative and practical approach to public-private partnerships (PPPs), and development of an energy toolkit
  • Ruhudji Power Company Limited to negotiate the development of a hydropower plant in the Njombe District, Tanzania
  • Songas Tanzania Limited and the Tanzania Electrica Supply Company Limited (Tanesco) on power purchase agreements and other energy related matters
  • The Somalian government, financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), in the drafting of the model production sharing agreement and a negotiation matrix
  • Due diligence on possible acquisition of a hydropower-generating company in Tanzania
  • Review of the share purchase agreement and carry out due diligence on assets owned by the target company and intellectual rights involved
  • The Tanzanian government for the development of the Bagamoyo Port and port side industrial zone as an Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) project
  • The National Development Corporation on the development of Liganga iron ore and steel and Mchuchuma coal for a power project

Professional Qualifications

  • Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and all courts subordinate thereto (except primary courts)

    Education

  • University of Birmingham Business School (UK), Master's degree in Business Administration (International Banking & Finance) (1999)
  • Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) with Honours (1986)

Recognition

  • Protase Ishengoma is ranked by Chambers Global (2021) in Tanzania General Business Law. Testimonies obtained by Chambers Global's research had this to say about him, "Protase is a seasoned practitioner who has been at the fore of the Tanzanian legal market for many years. He is best recognised for his work in the energy and oil and gas sectors, and provides counsel on projects and corporate financing."

  • Chambers Global (2020) Protase Ishengoma ranks in Band 2 in Tanzania General Business Law. It says, “Protase Ishengoma has a solid reputation in the Tanzanian market, with a strong track record servicing client in the oil and gas and energy sectors. He also has notable expertise in banking and capital markets.”

  •  IFLR1000 (2020) ranks Protase Ishengoma as a highly regarded leading lawyer

Prior Experience

  • State Attorney, Attorney General's Chambers
  • Senior Group Legal Secretary, National Development Corporation Group
  • Head of Legal and Fund Secretary, PPF Pensions Fund

Memberships

  • Tanganyika Law Society
  • East Africa Law Society
  • International Bar Association