The story of resilience, influence, and impact of Benin former ambassador to the U.S., Omar Arouna, MBA

BY PETER SESAY

In the corridors of power, where diplomacy meets business and policy shapes the future of nations, Ambassador Omar Arouna stands as a testament to the power of resilience, strategic audacity, and a deep-seated commitment to the African continent. From his early days in Porto-Novo, Benin, to his influential roles on the global stage, Ambassador Arouna’s life is a story of overcoming adversity, leveraging opportunities, and giving back to his community. This profile delves into the life, career, and impact of Ambassador Omar Arouna, a man whose journey embodies the audacity to succeed.

Early life and heritage

Omar Arouna’s story begins in Porto-Novo, the capital of Benin, where he was born into a family with a rich and complex heritage. Far from the image of a privileged upbringing, Arouna’s childhood was marked by a blend of cultural richness and economic modesty. His lineage traces back to Timbuktu and Djenné, Mali’s historic centers of trade and culture. His grandfather, Arouna Touré, was a trader who settled in Parakou, Benin, becoming a local legend for his bravery and mystical abilities.

Growing up in Porto-Novo, Benin, Arouna was instilled with the values of discipline, education, and perseverance by his parents. His father, a former Minister of Defense and Security in Dahomey (now Benin), and his mother, one of the first women to join the national police force, were instrumental in shaping his worldview. Despite the challenges of living in a polygamous household and experiencing political instability, Arouna found solace and purpose in education.

The journey to the United States and early challenges

Driven by ambition and a desire to contribute to Africa’s development, Arouna pursued higher education abroad. His journey began with challenges—bureaucratic delays, a bout of malaria, and financial constraints—but his resolve remained unshaken. When he couldn’t enroll in a university in in Côte d’Ivoire, he quickly pivoted to Senegal, where he enrolled at the University of Dakar.

In Dakar, Arouna lived in extreme poverty, sleeping in a small hut with no bed and working tirelessly to finance his education. Despite these hardships, he excelled academically and eventually set his sights on the United States. However, upon arrival, he faced new challenges, including working low-paying jobs at Burger King and McDonald’s to make ends meet. These experiences, though humbling, provided valuable lessons in resilience and perseverance.

A pivotal moment occurred when Arouna was humiliated by a customer while cleaning a restroom at McDonald’s. Instead of letting this incident defeat him, Arouna used it as motivation to continue striving toward his goals. His determination eventually led to an internship with the World Bank Group in Washington D.C., marking a turning point in his career. His initiative and performance during this internship led to his first contract as an Information Technology Officer at the World Bank.

Diplomatic career and contributions  

In 2013, Arouna was appointed as Benin’s Ambassador to the United States, Mexico, and the Organization of American States. This role was both an honor and a challenge, requiring him to navigate the complex dynamics of international diplomacy while representing a country grappling with its internal challenges.

As ambassador, Arouna focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Benin and the United States, particularly in economic development and security. He played a key role in securing the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact for Benin, which brought significant development aid to the country. His efforts were instrumental in advancing Benin’s development goals and enhancing its international standing.

However, Arouna’s diplomatic tenure was not without its challenges. He faced political opposition and personal attacks from within the Beninese government due to his outspoken nature and commitment to transparency. Despite these challenges, Arouna remained steadfast in his principles, continuing to advocate for Benin’s interests on the global stage.

A unique dual identity: Twice American

One of the most unique aspects of Omar Arouna’s life story is his journey with U.S. citizenship—a journey that he himself refers to as being “twice American.” After moving to the United States, Arouna worked diligently to achieve the American Dream. His hard work, perseverance, and dedication paid off when he was naturalized on June 21, 2000, as a U.S. citizen. This was a significant milestone in Arouna’s life, symbolizing not just a legal status but a deep connection to a country that had offered him opportunities and a new beginning.

However, Arouna’s story takes an unusual turn when he was appointed as Benin’s Ambassador to the United States in 2013. To serve his country of birth in this diplomatic capacity, he made the difficult decision to relinquish his U.S. citizenship, a requirement for holding the ambassadorial position. This decision, while necessary, was not made lightly. It underscored Arouna’s deep sense of duty and commitment to Benin—a country that had shaped his early years and to which he felt an unwavering loyalty.

When his term as ambassador ended, Arouna faced the reality of life beyond his diplomatic service. Understanding the importance of the U.S. in his personal and professional life, he made the decision to reapply for U.S. citizenship. This process was not merely about regaining a passport; it was about reconnecting with a country that had become an integral part of his identity.

Successfully regaining his U.S. citizenship on January 26, 2021, Arouna once again became a proud American citizen. This experience of relinquishing and then regaining citizenship is a testament to his unique dual identity. It highlights the complex and often challenging nature of navigating multiple cultural and national identities, especially for someone deeply involved in international diplomacy. Arouna’s story of being “twice American” is a rare and compelling narrative that speaks to his adaptability, resilience, and the deep connections he feels to both Benin and the United States.

Career focused on Africa’s development

Despite the prestige of working at the World Bank, Arouna felt unfulfilled. He realized that his true passion lay in contributing directly to Africa’s development. This realization prompted him to leave the World Bank after four years, a decision that many viewed as risky, but one that was necessary for his personal and professional growth.

Arouna then joined Africare, one of the oldest and largest NGOs in the United States focused on African development. As a network manager, he led the organization’s Y2K effort across 27 African field offices, gaining invaluable experience in managing large-scale projects across the continent.

Following his successful tenure at Africare, Arouna ventured into the private sector, establishing his consulting firm to facilitate business between the United States and Africa. His focus on information technology consulting and market access led to significant opportunities, including an invitation to join GoodWorks International as Managing Director. In this role, Arouna leveraged his expertise to further economic ties between Africa and the United States.

Strategic leadership in cybersecurity

After his tenure as ambassador, Omar Arouna channeled his extensive experience in both the public and private sectors into founding the U.S.-Africa Cybersecurity Group and the Center for Cyber Diplomacy and Leadership (CCDL). These initiatives are a testament to his visionary approach to addressing the pressing challenges of cybersecurity and digital transformation in Africa.

The CCDL, in particular, stands as a pivotal institution dedicated to fostering leadership and enhancing cybersecurity strategies across the African continent. Ambassador Arouna founded the CCDL with the objective of bridging the gap between policy and practice in the realm of cybersecurity. Recognizing the growing threats posed by cyberattacks and the vulnerability of Africa’s digital infrastructure, he sought to create a platform where African leaders, policymakers, and experts could collaborate to develop robust cybersecurity frameworks. The CCDL, which serves as a hub for training, research, and strategic advisory services, equipping African nations with the tools needed to safeguard their digital sovereignty, recently partnered with The George Washington University (GWU).

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the center’s mission. The collaboration is not only strategic but also deeply personal for Ambassador Arouna, as he obtained his MBA in Cybersecurity from GWU. The partnership represents a homecoming of sorts, allowing him to return to an institution that played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of cybersecurity. Through this alliance, CCDL and GWU aim to enhance cybersecurity education, promote research, and develop innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by African nations.

Ambassador Arouna emphasizes the critical importance of cybersecurity within Africa’s national security framework, engaging in discussions that highlight the urgent need for African governments to prioritize cybersecurity as a core element of their national security strategies. He points out the growing sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks, advocating for a strategic approach that is both pragmatic and visionary. Through these discussions, Arouna stresses the necessity for robust measures to ensure that Africa is not only prepared to defend its digital infrastructure but also positioned to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. The founding of CCDL and the partnership with GWU are key components of Ambassador Arouna’s broader strategy to empower Africa through leadership in cybersecurity, ultimately contributing to the continent’s digital resilience and economic growth.

Advocacy for good governance and anti-corruption

Throughout his career, Arouna has been a steadfast advocate for good governance and anti-corruption. He views corruption as a significant obstacle to Africa’s development, arguing that it erodes public trust in government institutions. Arouna consistently calls for stronger anti-corruption measures and greater accountability at all levels of government.

This commitment to good governance has been a central theme in Arouna’s career, both during his tenure as ambassador and in his subsequent roles. His work with the Advocacy Foundation for Human Rights, which focuses on combating human rights violations and public corruption in Africa, further demonstrates his unwavering dedication to these principles.

Visionary leadership for Africa’s economic future 

Arouna envisions a future for Africa marked by self-reliance and sustainable development. He believes that Africa has the potential to become a major player in the global economy, but to do so, it must address key challenges such as infrastructure deficits, corruption, and political instability. He strongly advocates for increased investment in Africa’s infrastructure, particularly in energy, transportation, and telecommunications, as these are vital for driving economic growth.

Arouna’s work with various African governments and international organizations reflects his deep commitment to helping Africa realize this vision. His efforts focus on fostering partnerships that promote sustainable development and empowering African nations to take control of their futures.

Advocacy for education and youth empowerment   

Education has always been a cornerstone of Arouna’s advocacy work. Arouna emphasizes the critical role of education in empowering Africa’s youth and driving the continent’s development. He discusses the need for investment in education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, to prepare Africa’s young people for the challenges of the future.

Arouna’s advocacy for education is deeply personal. His own journey from Porto-Novo to Washington D.C. was made possible by his relentless pursuit of education, despite the financial and logistical challenges he faced. In his speeches, Arouna often shares his story as a source of inspiration for young Africans, urging them to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.

Personal reflections and future aspirations

Ambassador Omar Arouna reflects on his life’s journey by sharing personal stories and insights from his years of service. He speaks openly about the challenges he has faced, both personally and professionally, and how these experiences have shaped his perspective on life. Arouna also discusses his aspirations for the future, including his ongoing commitment to Africa’s development, cybersecurity, and international diplomacy.

His reflections highlight the importance of perseverance, resilience, and maintaining a clear sense of purpose. Despite the many obstacles he has encountered, Arouna remains dedicated to his mission of serving Africa and contributing to its growth.

Arouna’s life and career are a testament to the idea that success is not determined by where you start but by the choices you make and the risks you are willing to take. From his humble beginnings in Porto-Novo to his influential roles on the global stage, Arouna’s journey is one of audacity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of Africa. His story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the next generation of African leaders, showing that with determination and vision, anything is possible.

Through his work in diplomacy, cybersecurity, and advocacy, Arouna has made significant contributions to the continent and continues to inspire others to follow in his footsteps. The insights shared in his public appearances, speeches, and his book The Audacity to Succeed add depth to the narrative of his life, offering a richer understanding of the man behind the achievements. As Arouna continues to navigate new challenges and opportunities, his legacy as a leader, diplomat, and advocate for Africa will undoubtedly endure.