Michael Sudarkasa is a U.S. attorney and African economic development specialist based in Johannesburg, South Africa who has experience and expertise in facilitating trade and investment projects involving business expansion within Africa, as well as between Africa and other parts of the world. Michael has significant sector expertise in agriculture/ agribusiness; energy; broadcast media; infrastructure; healthcare; tourism and oil and gas. He also has significant experience working with public sector institutions (municipal, provincial, national and multilateral) developing local economic development strategies, trade promotion and investment attraction strategies, and in managing related implementation projects and processes. Michael’s background in law is in commercial law with a special focus on cross-border transactions. He has 30 years of experience providing international trade, investment, economic development, legal, research and business analysis services related to African economic development with a focus on private sector development. He has travelled, worked, or provided training and development assistance in 58 countries throughout the world (including 36 in Africa). He has authored several articles and publications related to African trade and investment, including: The African Union Commission’s Africa Business Directory: Toward the Facilitation of Growth, Partnership and Global Inclusion (African Union, 2014), Investing in the Great Lakes Region: An Investment Opportunities Brief (UNDP, 2014) Inclusive Business Finance Field Guide (United Nations Development Programme, 2012); The African Business Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Business Resources for African Trade and Investment (21st Century Africa, Inc., 1991-92; 93-94; 96-97. He is also the co-author of Investing in Africa: An Insider’s Guide to the Ultimate Emerging Market (John Wiley & Sons, August 2000, reprinted 2013). Michael holds a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School and a B.A. degree with High Honors from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.