Fatma Songoro on Mentorship, Representation, and Women in Tech
For Fatma Sangoro, the sky was never the limit. It was just the beginning. With an insatiable drive and a sharp legal mind, she carved a path to become one of East Africa’s leading cybersecurity lawyers. After graduating from the University of Dar es Salaam with aspirations of specializing in corporate and commercial law, Fatma’s career took an unexpected yet rewarding turn when she discovered the intersection of law and technology. This newfound passion led her to enroll in iLabAfrica’s Women in Cyber Programme, a decision that would redefine her professional journey.
Now, years into her career, Fatma has established herself as a distinguished legal expert with extensive experience in data protection, artificial intelligence (AI) law, international trade, insolvency, cybersecurity, corporate law, intellectual property, investment law, mergers & acquisitions, banking, and insurance.
As a proud alumna of the Women in Cybersecurity Programme, Fatma sat down with us to reflect on her journey, sharing how mentorship played a pivotal role in her success, the challenges she faced, including gender bias and imposter syndrome, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Who is Fatma Songoro?
I’m Fatma Haruna Sangoro, a tech and cybersecurity lawyer passionate about the intersection of law and technology. I currently lead the Technology Law Department at Victory Attorneys and Consultants, where I specialize in navigating the legal complexities of the digital world. While technology law is my primary focus, my legal expertise extends across various fields, including insolvency, regulatory compliance, insurance, international trade, mergers and acquisitions, and more. My diverse practice allows me to provide comprehensive legal solutions, bridging traditional law with the evolving demands of the digital age.
What sparked your interest in this intersection of law and tech?
Initially, when I graduated from law school, I envisioned a career specializing in corporate and commercial law. I even pursued my master’s degree in that field, believing it would be my primary focus. However, once I entered legal practice, I had the opportunity to work on a project related to data protection and that experience completely shifted my perspective.
Through that project, I discovered an entirely new and evolving area of law. I realized that in other jurisdictions, privacy practitioners and lawyers specialized in data protection, tech law, and cybersecurity. This opened my eyes to possibilities I hadn’t previously considered.
When I came across the Women in Cybersecurity Program, I applied, unsure if it was meant for lawyers. It turned out to be a defining moment in my career. Through the program, I was introduced to my mentor, a cybersecurity lawyer, and for the first time, I saw a clear path for legal professionals in this space. While I had heard of “tech lawyers,” I had never met anyone who explicitly specialized in cybersecurity law.
The program gave me invaluable exposure to cybersecurity, deepening my understanding of how lawyers can play a crucial role in this field. That experience ultimately inspired me to pivot into technology law and cybersecurity law, where I’ve found a truly exciting and impactful career path.
Speaking of mentors, How did mentorship shape your career path in tech law?
Mentorship has been a critical pillar in my career journey. The truth is, seeing is believing. You can be told that a woman can become president, but witnessing Samia Suluhu Hassan in that role makes it feel real and attainable. Similarly, through the Women in Cybersecurity Program, I was fortunate to have Ms. Museo as my mentor. Seeing not just a woman in cybersecurity, but a lawyer thriving in this space, gave me the confidence to believe that my aspirations were not just possible; they were achievable.
Beyond inspiration, mentorship empowered me to explore deeper into technology and cybersecurity, helping me overcome the imposter syndrome that often crept in. As a lawyer, I used to believe that expertise came only with decades of experience in the field before you could be considered a thought leader. However, my mentor taught me that expertise is built through continuous learning, strategic positioning, and actively contributing to the field.
The program also provided invaluable soft skills, such as public speaking, personal branding, and goal setting, which have shaped me both professionally and personally. More importantly, mentorship has given me a trusted network that is a go-to source of guidance and support whenever needed.
I could go on about the countless benefits mentorship has brought to my career, but one thing is clear; having a role model and direct exposure to someone who has walked the path before you makes an immense difference. It’s a transformative experience that can open doors, instill confidence, and shape the future of one’s career.
As a Twala Tanzania Women Lawyers Association Board of Directors member, how do you actively mentor and support young lawyers interested in tech and cyber security law?
One of the key initiatives I lead through Twala is hosting sessions to raise awareness in various areas of technology. These sessions primarily engage women lawyers but also welcome male attendees, all to equip legal professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the tech space.
I’ve noticed that in fields like technology and cybersecurity, there’s often a misconception that being a cybersecurity lawyer means hacking or coding. That’s simply not true. Lawyers play a crucial role in this space, whether it’s shaping policy, ensuring compliance, or advising on legal risks.
Through the Dialogo Hacker platform, we facilitate informal yet insightful discussions for lawyers interested in tech. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for legal professionals to engage directly with tech experts. For example, we might bring in a specialist in cryptocurrency and blockchain to have an in-depth conversation with lawyers who want to understand its legal implications.
Additionally, I collaborate with the Tanzania Privacy Professionals Association (TPPA) to support individuals passionate about privacy law. Through TPPA, we focus on capacity-building by hosting monthly webinars to demystify privacy and technology-related issues. Through these programs, I hope we can create clear pathways for those eager to explore and establish careers at the intersection of law and technology.
What keeps you motivated to stay at the forefront of tech law?
Technology constantly evolves, making it a fast-paced and dynamic space that keeps me endlessly curious. There’s always something new happening, and that sense of constant learning and discovery keeps me engaged. I love diving deeper into different areas, exploring emerging trends, and staying ahead of the curve. I truly believe technology is the future, and that’s what makes it so exciting to be part of this ever-changing world.
What’s one message you have for young girls who think their dreams are too big or they will never be attained?
I would say there is room for all your dreams and ambitions, and nothing is too big. Don’t limit yourself or believe that something is out of reach. There are endless possibilities, and opportunities, and your voice truly matters. Everyone’s skills and contributions are valuable, especially when you’re young or starting out.
It’s important to surround yourself with people in the spaces you aspire to be in, build your network, and engage with different communities. From my experience, people often tell me, “Fatma, you’re everywhere. You’re involved in so many things!” From the Tanzania Women’s Lawyer network to various other initiatives, my active involvement has been instrumental in my growth. It has given me visibility, uplifted me, and connected me with people who have helped me along the way.
I truly believe that we unlock more opportunities and expand our horizons through people. So, I encourage you to be as ambitious as you can. Everything you dream of is within your capability, and you have what it takes to make it happen!
As our conversation ended, Fatma expressed her deep gratitude to the Women in Cyber Programme for connecting her with a mentor who played a pivotal role in shaping her career. Reflecting on her journey, she shared a powerful message she wishes to tell her younger self: “Believe in yourself, be kinder, and explore different areas instead of staying fixed in just one.”
By Ajuna Lindah