Our services
International Public Affairs
- Analysis and risk assessment of the relevant political, social and macroeconomic conditions and stakeholder management down to the local level. First-hand and tailor-made.
- Advice on political issues related to topics such as supply chains and sustainability in your international operations.
- Advice on the safety of your expatriate and local staff.
Studies and training
- Specialist studies on the risks of foreign assignments and travel, tailored to your needs.
- Training for your staff (intercultural competence, national and local politics, economy and society, security), e.g. for assignments and relocation measures.
On-site consulting
- Thanks to our close-knit network of experts in Africa, Europe and Latin America, we can provide you with detailed, up-to-date and specific situation reports. We would be pleased to advise you directly. In Europe or on site.
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1000 + contacts from politics, public administration, science and business.
Activities, projects & network
#Brasilien im Megawahljahr 2026: Brasilien wählt 2026 ein neues Parlament und einen neuen Präsidenten. Was bedeutet das für Unternehmen und die Gesellschaft und wie beeinflusst die organisierte #Kriminalität den Wahlkampf in Lateinamerikas größter Volkswirtschaft? @faz -Lateinamerika-Korrespondent Tjerk Brühwiller ordnet ein.
Link zur ganze Episode aus dem Podcast "On the Ground. Geopolitics and Business" in der Bio! Gerne: Reinhören, kommentieren, weitersagen!
Juli 17
New podcast episode: "#Venezuela After Political and Geologic #Earthquake s: Emergency and Recovery Under Washington`s Guidance." [Spanish/Español]
#Venezuela has experienced two “earthquakes” in 2026: a political one on January 3, with the arrest and extradition of Nicolás #maduro ; and a geological one on June 24, when a pair of earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale shook the country, leaving thousands dead and tens of thousands missing.
What does this emergency—along with the interim government of #delcyrodríguez under U.S. tutelage—mean for the Caribbean nation? We spoke with Eduardo Rengifo, a municipal director in El Hatillo, and Óscar Romero, a former diplomat, about the social, economic, and geopolitical consequences of Venezuela’s dual upheaval.
Our topics:
– The earthquakes of June 24: the real impact
– The Venezuelan government’s response and international aid
– Delcy Rodríguez’s transitional government and Marco Rubio’s role
– Economic and political outlooks
Links to the podcast, additional information, resources & links in bio.
Listen now!
#trump #rubio
Juli 15
#EMA attended one of the most important events on Berlin’s political scene: the “Stallwächter” party hosted by the German state of Baden-Württemberg. There, Dr. Georg Dufner met with members of the federal and state parliaments, government officials, and representatives from the media, NGOs, and Business. He also met “Äffle and Pferdle”—well-known children’s characters from southwestern Germany.
#stallwächterparty #berlin #theländ #networking
Juli 11
A few days before #peru🇵🇪 ’s National Electoral Commission is set to declare Keiko Fujimori the president-elect for the 2026–2031 term on Friday at 12 p.m., we spoke with former minister and presidential candidate @pereztellomarisol about this outcome, the country’s economic potential, its institutional weaknesses, and its #geopolitical situation.
Tune in to the podcast “On The Ground. Geopolitics and #Business”, available on all major streaming services and on YouTube
Link, Info and additional content in Bio.
Juli 3
“The Curse of Natural Resources” – Bolivia today: Roadblocks, the Economy, and Entrepreneurship – with Dr. Beatriz Muriel H. Muriel, INESAD
As #bolívia entered the state of emergency in the wake of the political and social conflict, we spoke in "On the Ground: Geopolitics and Business" with Beatriz Muriel, executive director of Bolivia’s leading economic think tank, INESAD, and discussed with her the implications of the current conflict, the state of the economy, and entrepreneurship in the Andean country.
Listen now on all major platforms!
Dr. Beatriz Muriel Hernández is one of Bolivia’s leading economists (Dr. in economics from @pucrio.oficial ) and executive director of the Institute for Advanced Studies on Development, based in La Paz. INESAD is Bolivia’s leading center for economic studies and consistently ranks among the top 5 percent across Latin America.
You can find “On the Ground: Geopolitics and Business” on all major platforms and on YouTube. Please feel free to leave a comment, subscribe to the channel, and recommend it to your friends and family. This helps us a lot to keep growing and to continue offering high-quality conversations with thought-provoking guests in the future!
Links and episode descriptions in Bio.
Juni 26
“Embracing People, Change, and the Unexpected.”
In the latest episode of our podcast, Georg Dufner and Thomas Schiller talk to Alexander Göbel, longtime Africa correspondent for main german media, about #opportunities and #risks in #Africa.
In the #podcasts, we discuss the political and economic relationship between Europe and Africa. We talk about opportunities and competition in African markets—and about what “partnership on equal terms” can mean in concrete terms.
Journalist and communications expert Alexander Göbel, born in Mainz in 1974, has been closely engaged with the African continent for more than 20 years. He lived in Africa for many years, reporting on politics, the economy, society, and culture from numerous countries, and also traveled to many crisis zones.
Today, through his agency "Pineapple", he advises companies, organizations, foundations, and associations on strategically developing projects in African contexts, raising their visibility, and communicating them effectively.
Listen now on all major platforms an on #YouTube . Links in Bio.
Tune in! Please subscribe, comment and share with your friends. It helps us to bring you new, 100% human content every month. We also welcome your comments, suggestions, and feedback!
Juni 11
"Criminal activities do not start with drugs". In this episode of OTG, we talk with Guillaume Soto-Mayor, President of the NGO Egregor, focussing on the social and economic situation in #WestAfrica .
Our topics:
- How do terrorist and organized crime groups work and influence West African societies
– Statehood in West Africa. A historic and current analysis
– The human potential and philanthropist engagement in West Africa and beyond
Guillaume Soto-Mayor graduated from the University of #Oxford and the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de #Strasbourg. He is a lecturer in universities in France and independent expert. He has conducted extensive field research on criminal and terrorist networks in North, West and Central Africa. And he is one of the founders of Egregor, a non-profit focusing on and dedicated to catalyzing social and environmental transformations.
Listen now on all major platforms an on #YouTube. Links in Bio.
Tune in! Please subscribe, comment and share with your friends. It helps us to bring you new, 100% human content every month. We also welcome your comments, suggestions, and feedback!
Juni 3
EMAs Georg Dufner going international in #Istanbul , Türkye. Even if things don’t work out as expected, going international is always enriching, especially in such a marvellous city with friendly people, rich culture and fair opponents in your favourite game. #scfavl #euroleaguefinal #astonvilla #scfreiburg
Mai 22
Who we are
We live in a world in uncertainty, full of upheavals and turning tides – also for companies: Trade, industry and service providers. Surrounding risks directly affect projects, sales markets, investment targets and supply chains.
De-risking and nearshoring are on everyone’s lips. The inevitable diversification poses challenges for business models. Africa and Latin America offer a variety of opportunities for this, including for you and your projects.
But you need more than just market intelligence: regional expertise, networks, contacts and first-hand local information are your ticket to Africa and Latin America. We make this possible for you thanks to our experience and our network.
As practitioners with many years of international experience on the ground at the interface between politics, business and development issues, we want to help you to be successful in Africa and Latin America – based on your specific goals and honest assessments. We advise public institutions and private sector companies.
Contact us for a non-binding offer.
Dr. Georg Dufner
Founder & Partner
Expert in corporate communications and public affairs, with a focus on Latin America. Previous positions include office manager for a member of the German Bundestag, Resident Representative of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Bolivia, and Director of the Regional Program on Indigenous Policy in Latin America. Georg Dufner has worked for industry associations, international organizations, media and corporations. Studies at the Universidad Católica de Chile and the Free University of Berlin, research and teaching in international relations with a focus on Latin America in Berlin and Santiago de Chile, author of “Partners in the Cold War. Political Relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and Chile”.
Thomas Schiller
Founder & Partner
Public affairs and security expert, with a focus on Africa. Until February 2023 Program Officer at a United Nations Organization in Dakar, Senegal. Extensive experience as head of regional offices of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in the Sahel and Maghreb regions, in the private sector (e.g. BASF) and in business associations. Long-term focus on security issues. Special expertise and network in Sub-Saharan Africa and the MENA region. Several years of experience in political consulting in Bavaria, on a german and European level. Thomas Schiller studied political science, history and economics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, graduate of the Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po).
Delphine Byrka
Senior Advisor
Experienced political risk and security analyst, specialist in terrorism-related issues, and consultant for international companies, NGOs, government agencies, and international institutions in West Africa. Expert in risk forecasting through early detection of “warning signs.” 25 years of experience as a reporter for the French weekly magazine Paris Match (politics, armed conflicts, investigative journalism). Since 2016, she has been a consultant in strategic information gathering and situation analysis for political and economic decision-makers. Ms. Byrka has been part of the EMA network since 2025.
Aamer Mumtaz
Senior Advisor
Accomplished business growth and delivery advisor with over 25 years of hands-on, locally-based experience advising multinationals in Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Financial Services, and more. Several years of experience building and leading successful cross-cultural operations and growth teams in the Middle East, across Europe, and in the United States. Expert in complex program management, new market development, cross border partnership development as well as operational scaling and growth. Mr. Mumtaz is based out of Lisbon and San Francisco.
Lateinamerika bietet vielfältige Chancen – auch abseits der großen Märkte. Man muss allerdings genau wissen wo lokal die Fallstricke liegen.
Dr. Georg Dufner
Zwischen “Chancenkontinent” und “Misere” liegt Afrikas Realität. Dieses Potential kann mit vor-Ort-Expertise gehoben werden.
Thomas Schiller
Außerhalb der etwa 25 Schwellenländer, auf die der Großteil der Finanzströme entfällt, erhalten die übrigen Entwicklungsländer die Mittel hauptsächlich durch Hilfe und ausländische Direktinvestitionen.
Carmen Reinhart / Kenneth Rogoff
Our references
Our clients and partners. We will be happy to provide additional references upon personal request.
What we do
You know your product, your customers and your competitors perfectly. But new markets are often complex, not only economically, but also politically, socially and culturally. Do you want to tap into new growth potential in emerging markets in Africa or Latin America in addition to the markets you are already successfully operating in? Do you have a successful product and are you facing fundamental decisions before entering the market or making a direct investment?
We can help you when it comes to political and social risks. We enable you to make your business decision with the best possible knowledge of these factors. We advise you in weighing up the fundamental regional framework conditions through to the specific local context. In doing so, we take into account global geopolitical risks as well as security issues, reputational risks and regulatory issues.
Our approach: Agile – practical – realistic
We are an international consulting boutique with the aim of providing you with comprehensive analysis and advice on political and social risks. Our focus is on Africa and Latin America. We are “hands on” and generate tangible added value for you.
Our broad international experience, our professional background, years of experience in the field and our extensive network ensure that you receive serious, realistic and valuable advice. Your success is our goal. We work with you and respond to your specific needs.
That’s why we don’t use prefabricated modules, but work together with your team and focus directly on your specific project.
Our services
International public affairs for challenging markets
Analysis, evaluation and management of the political and social situation, supply chains and sustainability from the macro level to the local level.
Precise understanding of local conditions
Detailed assessment of the local framework conditions, for example for the planned establishment of a production facility or a development project.
Targeted communication and stakeholder management
Precise local communication in terms of content and culture and identification of decision-makers, multipliers and stakeholders who are relevant to you.
Safety for seconded personnel
Risk assessment and comprehensive advice with regard to your expatriate and local personnel, including general safety and local hazards, supply chains, cultural factors and living conditions.
Studies and training for your specific needs
We prepare specialist studies on the risks of foreign assignments, tailored to your needs. Together with our cooperation partners, we conduct training courses for your employees on various topics (intercultural competence, regional and local politics, business and society, security issues) - also ideal for relocation measures.
Confidential advice, support and assistance on site
Personal advice, support and assistance on site with a hands-on mentality. Thanks to our close-knit network of experts in Africa, Europe and Latin America, we can provide you with detailed, up-to-date and specific situation reports.
ANALYSES (german)
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KfW: Auslandsgeschäft des deutschen Mittelstands stagniert
WeiterlesenLaut dem KfW-Internationalisierungsbericht 2025 hat sich das Auslandsgeschäft deutscher Mittelständler signifikant verschlechtert: Der Anteil grenzüberschreitend tätiger Unternehmen sank von 23 % auf 20 %, und die preisbereinigten Auslandsumsätze reduzierten sich 2023 um 6,5 %.
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Infrastruktur in Afrika: der Bedarf ist riesig
WeiterlesenIn der Debatte über Afrikas Wirtschaftspotential wird viel über Rohstoffe, Lebensmittel und Energie gesprochen. Um das ökonomische Potential des Kontinents zu erschließen, bedarf es aber vor allem einer verbesserten Infrastruktur. Viele Projekte sind ohne einen erheblichen Ausbau der Verkehrswege kaum umsetzbar bzw. rentabel.
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Schon wieder eine Stunde der Wahrheit?
WeiterlesenDas Freihandelsabkommen zwischen EU und MERCOSUR ist unterzeichnet – und gleichzeitig noch weit davon entfernt Realität zu werden. In Zeiten neuer geopolitischer Realitäten ist dieses Abkommen kaum überzubewerten.
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Mexiko vor einer neuen Ära?
WeiterlesenErstmalig in der Geschichte Mexikos wurde am 2.Juni mit Claudia Sheinbaum eine Frau ins Präsidentenamt gewählt, dass sie am 1. Oktober antreten wird. Sheinbaum ist das politische Ziehkind des scheidenden Präsidenten Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) – jedoch ohne relevante Hausmacht in ihrer Partei.
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Wahlen im Senegal: ein neuer Kurs ?
WeiterlesenSenegal hat einen neuen Präsidenten. Der Kandidat der Opposition, Bassirou Diomaye Faye setzte sich – für viele überraschend – bereits im ersten Wahlgang am 24. März 2024 gegen seinen Hauptkontrahenten Amadou Ba durch.
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Welche Auslandsmärkte sind für die deutsche Wirtschaft 2024 interessant?
WeiterlesenZu Beginn des Jahres führten die EMA-Gründer zahlreiche Gespräche mit deutschen und internationalen Unternehmen, vor allem aus dem industriellen Mittelstand, bei Dienstleistern und im Bereich Rohstoffe.
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Peru – ein vielversprechendes Ziel für die Unternehmensexpansion in Lateinamerika
WeiterlesenPeru besitzt eine dynamische Wirtschaft, eine junge Bevölkerung und große Potenziale für Unternehmensexpansion in Lateinamerika. In unserer Analyse stellen wir diese dar.
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Sicherheit in Afrika und Lateinamerika
WeiterlesenAfrika und Lateinamerika bieten zahlreiche Perspektiven für deutsche und europäische Unternehmen und Organisationen. Aber es gilt dabei, die Realitäten auf beiden Kontinenten nicht aus den Augen zu verlieren. Dazu gehört auch das Thema Sicherheit.
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Nachhaltigkeit in Auslandsmärkten
WeiterlesenDie klassischen drei Säulen der Nachhaltigkeit (die Balance zwischen Ökologie, Sozialem und Wirtschaft) sind hinlänglich bekannt. Wenig wird jedoch gesprochen über die Schwierigkeiten, die mit europäischen Nachhaltigkeits-Ansprüchen in Schwellen- und Entwicklungsländern einhergehen.
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Auslandsinvestitionen in Lateinamerika 2022 auf historischem Hoch
WeiterlesenIm vergangenen Jahr erreichten die ausländischen Direktinvestitionen (Foreign Direct Investment, FDI) in Lateinamerika und der Karibik – im Gegensatz zum Rest der Welt – ein Allzeithoch: 225 Milliarden US-Dollar, und damit 55 % mehr als 2021.
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Russlands Krieg in der Ukraine
WeiterlesenViel wird seit einem Jahr debattiert über die Auswirkungen des russischen Angriffskriegs gegen die Ukraine auf Schwellen- und Entwicklungsländer in Afrika und Lateinamerika. Dabei zeigt sich, dass es der deutschen Politik und Wirtschaft – trotz vorhandener Think Tanks und Regionalexpertise noch immer schwerfällt, deren Erkenntnisse in ihr Handeln und vor allem in die Entwicklung einer langfristigen Strategie gegenüber diesen Regionen einzubauen.
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Deutschlands neue Liebe für Lateinamerika
WeiterlesenWas die Regierungsbesuche auf dem Subkontinent bedeuten und was davon zu erwarten ist – ein Kommentar.
Lateinamerika und vor allem Brasilien können sich derzeit kaum deutscher Zuneigungsbekundungen erwehren. Zuerst besuchte Bundespräsident Steinmeier Brasilia, dann kam Kanzler Scholz mit Ministerin Schulze in die ABC-Staaten, Ministerin Lemke im Schlepptau und in den letzten Tage die Kabinettsmitglieder Habeck und Özdemir.