Terence is the Managing Partner of Minchin & Kelly (Botswana) . Leading the Real Estate practice, he offers comprehensive legal guidance on property,company law, energy and mining transactions. His expertise extends to other areas of the firms Corporate and commercial practice. Since joining Minchin & Kelly in 1989, Terence has risen through the ranks, becoming partner in 1993 and ultimately, Managing Partner in 2006. He is also ranked in Chambers Global for 20 years. Currently Ranked band Band 2- Chambers Global 2026.
"Terence Dambe has years of experience. He is a driving force in deals and is respected."- STRENGTH QOUTE
"Terence Dambe is a well-regarded real estate expert whose clients include mining companies and investment funds. He has further experience assisting clients with corporate matters."- CHAMBERS REVIEW
Experience has included advising:
- Marubeni Corporation / Posco Energy in a joint venture IPP transaction for the construction, operation and maintenance of a 300 MW coal power station;
- Steag Energy Services on an operation services support agreement with the Botswana Power Corporation in respect of Morupule B Power Station;
- Morupule Coal Mine in the USD120 million project finance transaction with a consortium of banks for the Morupule Colliery expansion. This is considered the biggest project finance deal in Botswana to date;
- Several major banks on the legality of the suite of project finance agreements for coal mine expansions and the enforceability of various aspects of transaction for funding of coal mine expansions;
- Botswana Power Corporation regarding a coal supply agreement with Morupule Colliery Limited for the supply of coal to the 600 MW Morupule B Power Station;
- Negotiating and drafting water supply agreements from various water sources (boreholes and North / South Carrier pipeline) for the new 600 MW Morupule Power Station and expanded Morupule Colliery for power generation and mining operations;
- Morupule Colliery on registration, securitization and proprietary rights of mining licenses under the mining laws of Botswana;
- China Development Bank on various aspects of the mining laws in Botswana, including but not limited to regulation and the regulatory authorities, provision of security, types of mining rights, licenses and rights of foreign investors, transfer of licenses, taxes, levies and royalties;
- Morupule Coal Mine on surface tribal land rights and making application to the Ngwato Land Board (Tribal Authority) and Ministry of Lands for land rights for mining purposes; and
- Negotiation and drafting of coal (fines) supply agreement between Morupule Coal Mine and PPC.
- The Fields commercial development in the Central Business District in Gaborone Botswana consisting of offices, a 25,000m2 retail centre with future developments including apartments and a hotel.
- Infrastructure agreements for Phakalane Estates for the provision of electricity and sewerage services at the Thobo Hamlet development.
- Property transactions, acquisitions and bank securities for the Motheo T3 mining project in the Ghanzi District.
Professional Qualifications
- Attorney admitted in Botswana to the High Court of Botswana (1989)
- Conveyancer admitted in Botswana (1991)
- Notary admitted in Botswana (1992)
Education
- University of Botswana, LL.B. (1989)
Prior Experience
- 2006 to date, Managing Partner, Minchin & Kelly (Botswana), DLA Piper Africa, Botswana
- 1993 to 2006, Partner, Minchin & Kelly (Botswana), DLA Piper Africa, Botswana
- 1989 to 1993, Associate, Minchin & Kelly (Botswana), DLA Piper Africa, Botswana
Memberships
- Law Society of Botswana
- Law Society High Court Liaison Committee: Chairman (2007 to date)
- Judicial Services Commission (2007-2009)
- Confederation of Africaine de Football (CAF) Legal Affairs and Player Statutes Committee (2004-2012)
- Kalahari Conservation Society – Executive Member (1998 to 2024)
- Loapi Holdings (Pty) Ltd – Chairman (1997 to date)
- Kabelano Charity Trust – Chairman (1995 to date)
- Botswana Football Association: National Executive Committee Member and Legal Advisor (2001-2006)
- Young African Leaders: United States Information Service International Visitors Program (1992)
- Lawyers Ad hoc Committee for the drafting of the Legal Practitioners Act: Secretary (1993)
- Botswana Investment & Trade Centre Board Member (2012 to 2020)
- Botswana Investment & Trade Centre Board Member (2020 to 2022)
- DLA Piper Africa Board member
- Arbitrator, Court of Arbitration for Sport
Market Recognition
- Ranked on Chambers and Partners for 20 years.
- Chambers & Partners 2025- Band 2
DLA Piper Africa, Botswana (Minchin & Kelly) is proud to have advised Smart Partnership Enterprises (SPE) on the construction and development of the Fields Mall, a retail centre with a gross lettable area of 26,000m2, located in the Central Business District of Botswana’s capital, Gaborone
Botswana’s power system has been characterized by unreliable power supply, lack of investment, poor maintenance and high service costs. To meet its peak power demand, Botswana imports power from the Southern Africa Power Pool – mainly from South Africa – and when imports are not available, resorts to the use of costly backup diesel power plants.
In many African countries, mining is the backbone of their economies. Often, however, little consideration is given to environmental, social and governance (ESG) implications when a mining resource has been depleted or becomes uneconomical to mine. An appropriate legal framework that deals with mining rehabilitation is vital as part of sustainable mining.