A Strategic Move to Deepen U.S.–Africa Economic and Diplomatic Ties

By Kirtan Bhana | The Diplomatic Society

Pretoria, South Africa – In a decisive move that signals growing interest in Africa's expanding markets and geopolitical importance, Global Political Solutions™ LLC (GPS), a Washington D.C.-based legal, lobbying, and business advisory firm, has officially established a presence in South Africa. This marks a major milestone in the firm's global expansion strategy, aimed at deepening engagement with African governments and private sector stakeholders.

Spearheading this expansion is esteemed South African lawyer Mr. Ajay Sooklal, who joins GPS as head of its Africa/South Asia division. Mr. Sooklal brings with him more than four decades of legal expertise and international business development experience. His illustrious career includes serving as legal advisor to former Presidents Nelson Mandela and Jacob Zuma, as well as to the African National Congress (ANC). He has also advised key ministries within the South African government, including Justice, Public Works, and Tourism.

GPS Managing Partner Aaron T. Manaigo, a seasoned political strategist in U.S. business and foreign policy circles, described the appointment as a natural extension of a long-standing professional relationship."Ajay and I have worked together on several impactful political and business initiatives over the past 25 years. His legal acumen, diplomatic sensibility, and continental knowledge make him an invaluable asset to GPS and to the clients we serve."

This expansion reflects a broader recalibration of American engagement with Africa, moving away from traditional donor-recipient models to more equitable partnerships based on trade, investment, and shared strategic interests. South Africa, with its developed financial infrastructure, policy maturity, and continental leadership, offers an ideal base for such a pivot.

“There are abundant opportunities for cross-border business development, market entry, and strategic investment between the American and African economies,” said Mr. Sooklal. “We must now turn this potential into practical outcomes. The time for robust, mutually beneficial engagement is now.”

The firm’s services will focus on foreign direct investment facilitation, regulatory and legal advisory, public policy analysis, and strategic communications. GPS is uniquely positioned to assist both African governments and private companies in navigating the complexities of U.S. policymaking, especially as agencies such as USAID and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) face restructuring. Another key area GPS will focus on , is assisting various Governments to navigate the ever-changing USA Foreign APPROPRIATIONS process ( Grant Making )on Capitol Hill, Washington DC .

Mr. Manaigo added that this South African chapter is just the beginning.
“Africa, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have long been priority regions for GPS. We are now operationalising those ambitions, starting with South Africa. Phase two of our expansion will see the establishment of offices in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.”
This development is particularly relevant as global South–South cooperation gains momentum, and as Africa asserts its agency in shaping international economic policy. The establishment of GPS in South Africa is a significant signal that global advisory services are recognising the continent not just as a market—but as a partner.

As the world rethinks global governance and diplomacy in a multipolar context, firms like GPS, with the right local partnerships and global reach, will be instrumental in bridging continents and interests for the betterment of all.

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