Exploring the restart of business operations in Yemen
INDUSTRY: Oil and Gas
SERVICES: Stakeholder 360 – Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement
Client need
An American-based oil and gas company with extensive operations across the Middle East, Europe, and South America was evaluating the possibility of re-entering the Yemeni market, which it had exited following the outbreak of war.
Recognizing the complexities of operating in Yemen’s volatile environment, the client tasked Interdiligence with conducting an in-depth stakeholder mapping and assessment, alongside identifying potential engagement scenarios for a business return strategy.
One page solution:
Our innovative approach concludes complex reports and detailed analysis, into a concise one-page diagram that provides a full overview.
The solution
APPROACH
Interdiligence implemented a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to deliver actionable insights for the client:
- Open Source Intelligence (OSINT): A multilingual team of OSINT analysts used advanced data acquisition tools to scrape and analyze information from international media, social media platforms, public records, and paid databases. The team utilized their language expertise in Arabic, Farsi, Russian, Turkish, Hebrew, French, and English to ensure a thorough examination of diverse information sources.
- Field Research: Field agents traveled across the Middle East, collaborating with trusted local partners who provided valuable insights into Yemen’s political and economic climate. They mapped both formal and informal leadership systems, including tribal dynamics, influential powerbrokers, and key stakeholders.
- Foreign Influence Analysis: Interdiligence identified external actors with significant influence in Yemen, including foreign governments and organizations, highlighting their roles in shaping the country’s business and political environment.
Deliverables
The findings were synthesized into actionable deliverables designed to equip the client with clarity and strategic direction:
1. Comprehensive Stakeholder and Risk Assessment Report: This detailed report included:
- Mapping of local and foreign stakeholders.
- Analysis of tribal interests and power dynamics.
- Identification of potential influencers and powerbrokers.
- A color-coded risk assessment covering political, economic, and operational factors.
2. Executive Summary Deck: A concise presentation highlighted key findings from the stakeholder and risk assessments, providing the client with a clear understanding of opportunities and challenges.
3.One-Page Solution: A visually engaging, color-coded pictogram illustrates Yemen’s intricate in-country and foreign relational system. This tool pinpointed the safest engagement scenarios and recommended a key stakeholder—a trusted advisor with strong relationships across both belligerent parties.
The Impact
Interdiligence’s insights and recommendations led the client to make informed, strategic decisions:
1. Risk Mitigation: The comprehensive analysis enabled the client to navigate Yemen’s complex landscape with caution, avoiding premature investments or actions.
2. Strategic Stakeholder Engagement: The client established relations with the recommended stakeholder, who proved to be a reliable advisor with strong connections across all relevant factions.
3. Informed Decision-Making: Based on Interdiligence’s advice, the client postponed any further actions or investments in Yemen, opting to monitor the situation and prioritize additional assessments for future planning.