Speakers

Shafimana Shimakeleni is a Namibian lawyer and Partner at SNC Incorporated, with extensive experience advising clients across the oil and gas, energy, mining, and broader commercial sectors. He has established a strong reputation for providing strategic legal counsel on regulatory compliance, complex commercial transactions, asset acquisitions, dispute resolution, and project development within highly regulated industries.

A key area of his practice is advising international investors and multinational corporations on Namibia's evolving local content framework, regulatory requirements, and market entry strategies. Shafimana has practical understanding of the country's legal & regulatory landscape, and he has been exposed to various international petroleum transactions.

Shafimana's industry expertise is underpinned by his previous service within the Petroleum Affairs Directorate at the Ministry of Mines and Energy (2020–2021), where he played an active role in regulating the petroleum industry within Namibia, ensuring compliance with petroleum legislation. During this time, he also contributed to the initial development of Namibia's Local Content Policy, providing him with unique insight into the policy and regulatory environment shaping the country's oil and gas sector.

Shafimana was named an IFLR1000 Rising Star 2025 in the Financial and Corporate category and was honoured with the Young Energy Leader (Under 35) Award, reflecting his growing influence and leadership within Namibia's energy and natural resources sector.

Shafimana continues to advise local and international clients on some of Namibia's most significant transactions and developments in the oil & gas, mining, and infrastructure landscape.