Reaching professional heights

Senior associate at SNC Incorporated law firm, Shafimana Shimakeleni recounts his career journey with three years of experience in the energy or oil and gas sector.He specializes in energy, oil and gas law, administrative law, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate and commercial law. Part of his experience was gained while working at the ministry of mines and energy’s petroleum affairs directorate, where he was actively involved in matters of regulation and compliance as well as assisting in the development of policy and legislation for petroleum exploration, development and production in Namibia. The young professional holds an LLB (Honours) from the University of Namibia and a Master of Laws in oil and gas law with professional skills from the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom. He is an admitted legal practitioner of the Namibian High Court and has recently obtained audience to appear in the Supreme Court of Namibia. Securing work goals Currently, Shafimana advises both local and international corporations as well as state-owned enterprises, playing an active role in the drafting, structuring and negotiation of commercial agreements in the energy and commercial sphere.He proves the excellence of his work by playing crucial roles at the firm to deliver for its clients. This includes the spearheading of some of the most prolific energy and natural resource deals in sub-Saharan Africa, with clients from as far as Nigeria, Canada, the UK, and the United States of America.When he has some spare time from work, he continues to enhance his skills by writing on issues and developments in downstream energy law, focusing on the regulation of electricity and gas networks in developing economies. Shafimana is also a contributor to the Chambers Global Practice Guide, an international online platform for expert legal commentary. His writing focuses on trends and developments in oil and gas in Namibia. He is a member of the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN), where he serves on the Hydrogen Task Force and the ESG Taskforce Committees. What is your motivation for the youth admiring your profession? Nothing takes place outside of the effort and commitment you are willing to put in. Two things have been a constant tool towards progression – (1) hard work and (2) consistency. Consistency separates the good from the great because it takes character to show up to the best of your ability on easy and challenging days when circumstances are in your favour and similarly when they are unfavourable. The good news is that consistency is a muscle and discipline is what you need to strengthen it. In addition, do not be afraid to be new at something, and the willingness to continue learning and expanding your knowledge within a sector. Time and exposure are what will refine your set of skills and grow your knowledge bank. Lastly, be intentional about networking and learning from those who have gone before you. All the best.

Reaching professional heights

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-01

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Reaching professional heights

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-01

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