Reducing political risk and assessing strategic opportunities through understanding. I recently retired after having served as U.S. Ambassador to Gabon and to Sao Tome & Principe. Previous service included Acting Ambassador to Namibia, and other positions in Nigeria, Burkina Faso and South Africa. My long experience of working in and analyzing numerous African countries, and expertise in realistic risk assessment, will bring your plans to a new level of success. I spent my professional life in West, Central and Southern Africa. My family roots are partly South African, and I relished 32 years as an American diplomat in Africa. My current projects include advising petroleum exploration and production companies on political risk and entry strategies; counseling firms engaged with marine and terrestrial conservation; and partnering with sustainable forestry firms interested in modern forest management. Africa never stops challenging and fascinating me, and my focus on ground truth and realism, plus cross-cultural interpretation and strategic thinking, will help you formulate solid and achievable strategic decisions. I look forward to working with you as Africa becomes a key 21st century actor.