SANTA ISABEL ABOGADOS & CONSULTORES |

Your Trusted Business Partner

Welcome to Santa Isabel Abogados & Consultants

Santa Isabel, is a service oriented firm, built on the principles of justice, integrity and excellence.

We understand that legal and compliance challenges can have profound implications for businesses operating in high-risk environments – affecting operations, investments, and reputation.

Navigating these complexities requires deep local knowledge, strategic foresight, and the ability to anticipate challenges before they arise.

At Santa Isabel, we don’t just understand these challenges – we tackle on a daily basis, ensuring our clients remain secure, compliant, and competitive. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, we leverage our expertise to provide clear, effective, and commercially viable solutions.

Apolonio SÉNOBUA
FOUNDER

Primary Practice Areas

Business Expansion and Investment Advisory:

Whether you are a service company or a potential foreign investor, Santa Isabel guides you throughout your investment lifecycle. Advising on market entry strategies and corporate structuring in Equatorial Guinea. Handling company incorporation, registration, and licensing under OHADA and local laws. Advising on investment protection strategies, tax planning, regulatory approvals, local partnerships, sound due diligence and risk mitigation.

Regulatory & Compliance Advisory:

Santa Isabel prides itself on being a trusted partner for compliance in one of the world’s most regulated sectors.
Tailored compliance services include guidance on hydrocarbons licensing processes, advice on international anti-corruption laws such as the FCPA and UK Bribery Act, development of in-house compliance programs and support with reporting requirements to regulatory authorities, such as BEAC.

Taxation & Fiscal Strategy:

Our firm helps companies navigate tax-efficient structures while ensuring compliance with local and international tax laws.
Our services include optimizing taxes for PSCs, service contracts, and joint ventures, resolving disputes with tax authorities, managing VAT and withholding tax compliance, and advising on incentives for sustainable projects.

Environmental Law & ESG Advisory:

As sustainability becomes central to energy operations, we help clients navigate environmental and ESG requirements. Advising on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for new projects.
Developing Environmental Management Plans (EMP) in line with local and international standards. Assisting clients in implementing ESG frameworks to attract responsible investors.
Handling environmental litigation, including claims related to oil spills.

Debt Recovery and Contract Enforcement Services:

Santa Isabel provides effective debt recovery solutions, including pre-litigation settlements, litigation and enforcement, arbitration, cross-border recovery, debt portfolio management, fraud investigation, and payment plan negotiations, ensuring legally compliant and efficient resolution of outstanding debts.

Government Relations & Policy Advisory:

Santa Isabel is renowned for its ability to build bridges between companies and government authorities, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. We represent clients in negotiations with regulatory bodies, provide strategic guidance on policy developments and legislative changes, draft impactful position papers and regulatory submissions, and facilitate productive dialogue between operators and government stakeholders. Our firm is recognized for its diplomatic approach and deep expertise in regulatory affairs, ensuring that clients navigate complex legal landscapes with confidence and clarity.

Contract Negotiation, Drafting, and Management:

Santa Isabel navigates the complexities of contract negotiation, drafting, and management. The firm handles service and supply agreements for drilling, logistics, and equipment rental, as well as Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs), Farm-in/Farm-out agreements, and Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs). It also manages confidentiality agreements (NDAs), MOUs, and exclusivity agreements while conducting legal due diligence to mitigate risks and ensure contract enforceability.

Dispute Resolution with Industry Insights:

We provide proactive dispute prevention and resolution services, prioritizing amicable solutions to preserve business relationships. Our expertise includes arbitration under ICC and ICSID rules, mediating operational disputes such as force majeure and contract breaches, litigation with government entities and contractors, and resolving royalty and operational liability issues.

Immigration Services:

Santa Isabel offers tailored immigration solutions to companies and professionals, ensuring smooth transitions for expatriates.
We assist companies with work permits, residence visas, and business travel visas for expatriates and their families, ensuring compliance with immigration laws. Our services include managing documentation, renewals, audits, risk management, and representation with immigration authorities to resolve disputes or delays.

Mission

To empower businesses and individuals across Africa by delivering exceptional legal and consultancy services. We are committed to fostering compliance, transparency, and sustainable growth by offering client-centered solutions that navigate the complexities of regulatory frameworks and safeguard investments across borders.

Vision

To become the go-to Pan-African law firm, trusted across the region for protecting investments, bridging local and international legal practices, and fostering sustainable growth. We aim to lead the legal profession in promoting socio-economic development and enabling businesses to thrive in Africa’s dynamic and interconnected markets.