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Hello & Welcome

I’M Omar Arouna

GLOBAL CYBER DIPLOMACY & GOVERNANCE EXPERT | BOARD ADVISOR | DIPLOMAT

Internationally recognized leader in diplomacy, economic development, and cybersecurity strategy with over 25 years of cross-sector experience spanning government, private enterprise, and international organizations. Distinguished record of shaping public policy, driving market access strategies, and advancing U.S.–Africa economic partnerships. Proven expertise in navigating geopolitical environments, strengthening institutional governance, and fostering digital resilience across emerging markets. Decorated public servant and corporate advisor recognized for integrity, strategic foresight, and global impact.

 

Omar Arouna

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Bethesda, MD

contact@omararouna.com

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TOP SKILLS
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BOARD GOVERNANCE & STRATEGIC ADVISORY

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & DIPLOMACY

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CYBERSECURITY POLICY & RISK MANAGEMENT

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GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS

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FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT STRATEGY

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MARKET ACCESS & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

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CORPORATE ADVOCACY & CRISIS MANAGEMENT

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMERGING MARKETS

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NEGOTIATION & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & ETHICS

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CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION & GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS

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DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION & CYBER DIPLOMACY

PROVEN TRACK RECORD IN

International Diplomacy & Global Public Affairs

  • Strengthened bilateral relations between Africa and the United States as Ambassador of Benin to the U.S. and Mexico, and Representative to the World Bank, IMF, and OAS.
  • Secured over $400 million in U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) development funding through effective negotiation and policy advocacy.
  • Advised Fortune 500 corporations, U.S. government agencies, and African governments on policy alignment, investment strategies, and reputation management.
  • Spearheaded public affairs campaigns influencing U.S. congressional engagement on behalf of global clients and African nations.
  • Recognized for bridging government, private sector, and multilateral institutions to promote sustainable development and governance reforms.

 

Cybersecurity, Digital Policy & Emerging Technology

  • Founder & Chairman of the Center for Cyber Diplomacy and Leadership (CCDL) at The George Washington University, developing Africa’s next generation of cyber leaders.
  • Managing Partner of the U.S.–Africa Cybersecurity Group (USACG), leading advisory initiatives on national cyber strategy, digital resilience, and policy harmonization across 20+ countries.
  • Designed and led cybersecurity capacity-building programs for governments, corporations, and critical infrastructure sectors across Africa.
  • Regularly engaged in cyber diplomacy forums and public-private dialogues focused on digital sovereignty, AI governance, and cyber defense collaboration.
  • Pioneered cyber policy frameworks that integrate governance, risk, and technology strategy in emerging markets.

 

Economic Development, Investment & Strategic Consulting

  • Over two decades advancing foreign direct investment (FDI) and private-sector engagement across Africa, facilitating partnerships in energy, infrastructure, and telecommunications.
  • Led business development initiatives for multinational firms such as AECOM, Sumitomo, General Electric, and Verizon, driving multi-million-dollar expansion into African markets.
  • Founder & CEO of Global Specialty LLC, advising U.S. and African clients on market access, regulatory strategy, and risk mitigation.
  • Successfully directed feasibility and financing studies for infrastructure and port projects in Angola, Tanzania, and São Tomé & Príncipe.
  • Trusted board and advisory voice on economic transformation, sustainable investment, and strategic growth across emerging economies.