Dr. Mashal Shabbir founded Minerva Global Consulting in 2025 to advance trade and investment ties between sub-Saharan Africa, the United States and the Gulf region through the critical minerals/mining sector. With wide-ranging expertise in international affairs with the U.S. federal government and academia, Dr. Shabbir is skilled in translating complex political and economic insights into data-driven analyses and strategic policy recommendations that inform high-level decision-making, strengthen global trade relations, and drive economic growth.

She managed a portfolio of 15 countries in Southern and Central Africa at the United States’ Department of Commerce, where she played a key role in leading port and rail trade missions to South Africa and Angola and supported initiatives such as the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment as well as Power Africa (United States Agency for International Development). She received an International Trade Administration award for her role in supporting former Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo during a visit to Kenya in 2024.

Dr. Shabbir also supported minority business growth at the Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency through administering federal grants and conducting program evaluations to improve efficiency and impact for multiple programs. Prior to her career with the federal government, Mashal received her Ph.D. in International Relations from American University’s School of International Service, during which she specialized in the study of political violence. Her research has been supported the U.S.’s Department of Defense and the United States Institute of Peace. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from King’s College London and Economics and Finance from the Lahore School of Economics, Pakistan.