An international career of excellence
Afif Mshangama is an international lawyer whose professional career reflects a unique strategic vision of cross-border expansion. After practicing in France (AVOSTA), and the UAE (NEXTCAP), he launched AVOGAMA INTERNATIONAL, a firm that synthesizes his various international experiences in business structuring and engineering. His multidisciplinary approach transcends the traditional legal framework to embrace the global business world. This holistic vision makes AVOGAMA INTERNATIONAL a strategic consulting firm that is not limited to law, but is interested in all aspects of international expansion.
2008 – 2020
Paris | Pioneer of French sports law
In 2011, Mr. Mshangama founded his sports law firm in Paris at a time when the industry was sorely lacking in professional legal representation. He became one of the first lawyers in France to understand that combining legal qualifications with athlete representation was a winning combination.
He played a key role in several major European soccer transfers, including Anthony Martial’s transfer to Manchester United for €60 million + €20 million in bonuses, Matteo Guendouzi’s transfer to Arsenal for approximately €10 million, and Dante’s transfer from Vfl Wolfsburg to OGC Nice. He also represents Kevin De Bruyne’s agent.
A major player in several deals in the European sports industry, he has developed real expertise in energy and IT, contributing to the development of French sports law and laying the foundations for modern player representation.
2020
Dubai | Expansion into the United Arab Emirates
Mr. Mshangama moved to Dubai during the Covid-19 pandemic, a period when the UAE kept its borders open while adopting strict health measures. He identified a major opportunity: a massive influx of French-speaking entrepreneurs eager to settle in the UAE, but faced with a lack of structured support from professionals with expertise in both French law and the Emirati system.
He founded NEXTCAP (nextcap.ae), an advisory firm specializing in supporting French-speaking companies and individuals wishing to set up in the United Arab Emirates. NEXTCAP offers legal and tax advice, wealth management, and comprehensive administrative support.
With 15 years of experience in France and England, he advises institutions, corporations, and industry leaders around the world. His unique expertise combines in-depth knowledge of French law and mastery of the Emirati legal system, positioning NEXTCAP as the go-to expert for French companies exporting to the Middle East.
2024
AVOSTA & AVOGAMA INTERNATIONAL | Dual strategic presence
Mr. Mshangama structures his international expertise by creating two separate entities that meet the specific needs of each market:
AVOSTA, based in Paris (avosta.fr), supports French and French-speaking entrepreneurs in their expansion into the EMEA region, with particular expertise in the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates. The firm also has expertise in the entire OHADA region (17 French-speaking African countries).
AVOGAMA INTERNATIONAL, based in London (avogama-international.com), targets British and American companies wishing to expand internationally, particularly to the Middle East, the UAE, and English-speaking markets.
This dual structure allows for a culturally adapted approach and mastery of the legal and tax specificities of each market, positioning Mr. Mshangama as a unique player capable of supporting international expansion across 21 EMEA jurisdictions.
Recognized areas of expertise
Sports Law
Pioneer in sports law in France, representing top athletes, structuring major international transfers, negotiating complex contracts.
Fashion & Luxury Law
Intellectual property protection in the fashion industry, combating digital counterfeiting, strategic consulting for premium brands in the EMEA region.
Expansion EMEA
International expansion strategy, multi-jurisdictional regulatory navigation, tax and legal structuring of cross-border transactions in 21 countries.
Investment vehicles
Creation of international holding companies, strategic joint ventures, dedicated SPVs, optimal structuring for acquisitions and asset management.
France-UAE relations
Recognized expert in bilateral trade between France and the United Arab Emirates, tax and wealth management advisor, assisting entrepreneurs with relocation.
OHADA zones
Exclusive expertise in the 17 harmonized countries of the OHADA zone, structuring of transactions in French-speaking Africa, removal of local restrictions.
Recognized by international media
Next Cap, the corporate law expert in Dubai and the Middle East (French)
“Based in Dubai, Next Cap positions itself as the global entry point for French-speaking companies and individuals wishing to settle in the United Arab Emirates.”
How to support French companies in the United Arab Emirates (French)
“The Emirates allow foreign entrepreneurs to subscribe to 100% of their company’s capital without the need for a local sponsor. A tax agreement between France and the UAE clarifies the treatment of financial flows.”
UAE based Lawyer on Digitization and Law in the Fashion Industry
« Since this greater shift towards digitization, the business of fashion and luxury requires thorough understanding of the legal framework that governs a brand. »
Business Reform and Growth in the UAE: Smart Investing Requires High-Level Advisory
« Dubai has become a city where the world elite are relocating not just because of corporate incentives but also because of the lifestyle and safety that the country has to offer. »
France-UAE Trade Relationship Reaches New Milestone
« The UAE ranks as France’s second largest trading partner in the Middle East region, a milestone achievement. French companies require expert advisors in compliance, specifically experts in both French and UAE legislation. »
Sports Lawyer Afif Mshangama’s Role in Rapidly Changing World of Sports
« Mshangama has contributed to the development of French sports by being a pioneer and utilizing law in sports management, representing the biggest names in sports. »