The Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN) has appointed managing partner of SNC Incorporated, Shakwa Nyambe, as its president-elect for 2024-2025.
According to a statement, his appointment was confirmed at the AIEN board of directors’ meeting held on 10 June 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. This development is expected to pave the way for Nyambe to become the substantive president of the AIEN for the 2025-2026 period.
“This prestigious appointment acknowledges his exceptional leadership and extensive expertise within the global energy sector, and his contributions to educational and networking programmes as well as 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 since it was founded in 1982,” the statement added.
As Nyambe transitions from his role as vice president of communications, 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, 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 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, representing numerous international oil and gas companies, energy companies, host governments, law firms, consulting firms and academic institutions.
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 the collective efforts of our dedicated team, and the unwavering support of our members. 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.”