Shakwa Nyambe, the SNC managing partner, has been appointed the Association of International Energy Negotiators president-elect for 2024 -2025.
The Association of International Energy Negotiators (AEIN) Board of Directors confirmed Nyambe’s appointment at meeting held on June 10, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. This will pave the way for him to become the Substantive President of the AIEN for the period 2025-2026.
This prestigious appointment acknowledges his exceptional leadership, extensive expertise within the global energy sector, and his contributions to educational and networking programs and the development of model contracts for the energy sector. Notably, Nyambe is the first African to lead and be elected as President-Elect of the AIEN in its history since it was founded in 1982.
As Nyambe transitions from his Vice President of Communications role, his new position as President-Elect places him at the forefront of AIEN’s strategic initiatives. This role is pivotal for directing the association’s future direction and reinforcing its standing as a global authority in energy negotiations. His tenure as the Regional Chapter Director for Africa and his previous responsibilities have already demonstrated his capability to drive growth and promote collaboration within the industry.
The AIEN, an independent not-for-profit professional membership association headquartered in Houston, Texas, supports international energy negotiators by enhancing their effectiveness and professionalism globally. The organisation is renowned for producing model contracts widely used in the international energy industry.
Although the association’s roots are in Houston, Texas, USA’s upstream oil sector, it has now grown to be a truly global organisation serving the needs of cross-border energy negotiators in the upstream, midstream and downstream hydrocarbon sectors.
It is now represented in more than 110 countries, including numerous international oil and gas companies, energy companies, host governments, law firms, consulting firms, and academic institutions.
AIEN members come from various disciplines, including commercial, technical, educational, and legal.
Nyambe’s journey with AIEN began as an ordinary, dedicated member, leading to his Regional Chapter Director for Africa role. His leadership significantly contributed to the growth and success of AIEN’s African Regional Chapter, establishing it as a crucial platform for industry dialogue and engagement.
In addition to his leadership roles, Nyambe actively participates in several AIEN committees, including the Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) Committee, the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) Committee, the Asset Sale and Purchase Agreement Committee, the Drilling Contract Committee, and the Hydrogen Taskforce. His comprehensive involvement in these committees showcases his deep understanding of the energy landscape and commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive energy solutions.
As President-Elect, Nyambe will leverage his extensive experience to further AIEN’s mission of supporting international energy negotiators. His new role entails significant responsibilities in shaping the association’s strategic vision and enhancing its global reputation.
Commenting on the appointment, Nyambe said, “I am deeply honoured and humbled to be appointed as the President-Elect of the Association of International Energy Negotiators. This recognition is a testament to our dedicated team’s collective efforts and our members’ unwavering support. I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors and working closely with our members to further strengthen AIEN’s position as a global leader in the energy sector.”
Nyambe is the managing partner of the law firm SNC Incorporated, which has offices in Windhoek, Namibia. He is also the President-Elect of the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN) for 2024 -2025. He specialises in Energy, Natural Resources and Commercial law. He also specialised in drafting, reviewing, and contract negotiations.
He has advised International Corporations, Private corporations, State-Owned Enterprises and individuals in Oil & Gas projects, Renewable Energy projects, Mining projects, Natural Resources, Mergers and Acquisitions, Commercial Transactions, Corporate governance, and Project financing, as well as rendering advisory services on general commercial and dispute resolution matters. His clients include oil and gas, renewable energy, mining, construction, infrastructure, State-Owned Enterprises, and corporate entities.
