… becomes the first African to lead the AIEN since its founding in 1982
Shakwa Nyambe was confirmed as President of the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN) at the organization’s Board Meeting held in Istanbul, Türkiye on 9 June 2025. Nyambe’s presidency, effective from 9 June 2025 to June 2026, marks a historic moment as he becomes the first African to lead the AIEN since its founding in 1982.
Transitioning from his role as President-Elect for the year 2024 to 2025 and prior positions, including Vice President of Communications and Regional Chapter Director for Africa, Nyambe brings a wealth of experience to the Presidency. His leadership has already driven significant growth in AIEN’s African Regional Chapter and AIEN at large, establishing it as a vital platform for industry collaboration and dialogue.
The AIEN is an independent, not-for-profit professional association headquartered in Houston, Texas, USA, that supports international commercial and legal energy negotiators around the world. AIEN enhances the effectiveness and professionalism of the international energy community by providing high-quality services and value to its members, by offering educational programs, workshops and conferences on commercial and legal topics. The association is renowned for producing industry-standard model that are clearly written, transparent, balanced and widely accepted throughout the energy industry. AIEN also offers research papers, networking forums in global energy regions and distributes timely and useful information through its website.
Originally rooted in Houston’s upstream oil sector, AIEN has evolved into a global organization, representing professionals in over 110 countries across the upstream, midstream and downstream hydrocarbon sectors. Its membership includes international oil and gas companies, energy firms, host governments, law firms, consulting firms and academic institutions, spanning commercial, technical, academic and legal disciplines.
As President, Nyambe will steer AIEN’s strategic plans and initiatives, enhance partnerships and collaborations across the energy sector, strengthen the association’s global outreach and serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The President will also serve as the Chief Executive Officer and spokesperson of the Association on all matters pertaining to the public. He will preside over all regular and special meetings of the Members of the Association, the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
Commenting on his appointment, Nyambe said, “I am profoundly honoured to serve as President of the Association of International Energy Negotiators. This historic moment reflects the strength of our global membership, and the trust placed in me to lead. I am committed to advancing AIEN’s mission, promoting collaboration and driving impactful and practical solutions for the energy sector’s future.”
As Nyambe assumes the presidency, AIEN and its global community look forward to a transformative year, building on the association’s legacy of excellence and collaboration in the international energy industry.