Ambassador Omar Arouna

Ambassador Omar Arouna is the President of Global Public Affairs and Engagement at Gunster Strategies Worldwide, where he applies over 25 years of experience in foreign policy, economic development, and diplomacy to deliver strategic public affairs solutions. In this role, he leads efforts to assist clients across various sectors in navigating complex political landscapes, shaping policy, and developing market expansion strategies.

A distinguished diplomat, Ambassador Arouna served as the Ambassador of the Republic of Benin to the United States, Mexico, and as the country’s representative to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Organization of American States. His tenure in these roles provided him with deep expertise in U.S. governmental processes and international economic diplomacy.

In addition to his work at Gunster Strategies Worldwide, Ambassador Arouna is the Founder and Chairman of the Center for Cyber diplomacy and Leadership (CCDL) at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. CCDL is dedicated to preparing the next generation of African leaders to address emerging challenges in the digital age. Ambassador Arouna is also the President of the Advisory Board of the Pan-African Institute of Municipal Development, a nonprofit organization founded in 2021 to strengthen workforce development, capacity building, and leadership in municipal governments across Africa.

Ambassador Arouna holds an MBA from The George Washington University and is fluent in both French and English. He is a Commander of the National Order of Benin in recognition of his distinguished public service. Throughout his career, he has advised U.S. companies, governments, and international organizations on mitigating risks and developing strategies for successful engagement with Africa.

He is also an author, having published two works: L’audace de Réussir, an autobiography in French, and The Shadow of Power in Benin, which is also available in French as L’Ombre du Pouvoir, as well as numerous articles and white papers on U.S.-Africa relations. These publications reflect his deep understanding of African governance and international relations and contribute to the discourse on political and economic development in the region.

Ambassador Arouna’s commitment to fostering economic growth, cultural understanding, and social progress positions him as a highly regarded leader in both diplomatic and business circles.