KEYS Initiative is a political affairs and strategic advisory firm that unlocks solutions in complex political and conflict environments.

Analyse

We go beyond open-source information.

Our 'political forensics' delivers actionable analysis based on an in-depth understanding of changing political and conflict dynamics.

We provide strategic advice based on a continuously updated understanding of who has the power to decide and influence. We not only gather information but we make sense of it and distill it into a format that can be understood and acted on. This includes real-time alerts, tailored briefings, and on-call counsel.

> For example, we can conduct deep dives to identify new opportunities for dialogue or emerging risks. We can serve on a permanent retainer to provide ongoing political assessments and strategic guidance.

Access

We open doors.

Our networks help us to navigate complexity and open the access you need to operate and negotiate.

We support clients to access the right people, new markets, or out of reach conflict zones. This involves developing strategies to reconcile different interests in order to achieve results. We draw on our extensive networks to diagnose blockages and to identify the ways to effectively unlock closed doors.

> For example, we can diagnose what is creating blockages in access and advise clients on the most effective way to open closed doors.

Negotiate

We get deals done.

We conduct discreet backchannel dialogue to solve problems and reach agreements.

We engage with a wide range of stakeholders to 'pre-cook' deals or to support negotiations or dialogue. We deploy rapidly to manage critical incidents or seize time-sensitive opportunities. We support mediation and dialogue initiatives by opening channels to relevant actors, preparing the ground for talks, and reinforcing ongoing efforts behind the scenes.

> For example, we can open lines of communication where formal dialogue doesn't exist, negotiate the resolution of a critical incident, or support a mediation process by engaging actors that others cannot reach.

We Are Problem Solvers

We are a new generation of frontline diplomats, strategists, and political negotiators. Rooted in the Global South and working globally, we are the engine-room for navigating shifting power in a multipolar world.

The core leadership of KEYS initiative is supported by a curated network of specialist consultants allowing us to tailor every team for your unique challenge.

Our credibility is built on:

  • Frontline Experience:

    Decades of working in humanitarian crises globally.

  • Unmatched Networks:

    Trusted relationships that can unlock solutions others might miss.

  • Global South Credibility:

    We are rooted in the places we work, and we understand how perception can shape acceptance.

We Operate Differently

In spaces marked by suspicion & political deadlock, trust is our core advantage.

  • Multi-Tier Access:

    Our networks are at every level of state and non-state groups.

  • Unfiltered Analysis:

    Grounded in engagement with both formal and informal power structures.

  • Political Realism:

    We develop solutions that are informed by operational realities, not theoretical frameworks.

  • Hard-Earned Credibility:

    We have worked on the ground in the most complex conflicts of the past two decades.

  • Discretion Guaranteed:

    We operate behind the scenes. Confidentiality is core to our methodology.

We Change What is Possible

We enable:

  • Governments

    To unblock dialogue, identify new opportunities and enhance political analysis.

  • Private Sector

    To de-risk operations and investments in volatile contexts and gain access to new markets.

  • Humanitarian & Development Organizations

    To gain life-saving humanitarian access, implement effective humanitarian diplomacy and design conflict-aware projects.

Updates

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Ready to Unlock Solutions?

Whether you are a humanitarian/development organization requiring access and support in humanitarian diplomacy, a company seeking to de-risk operations in a new market, or a government seeking opportunities for dialogue, we are here to help.

Contact Us

info@keysinitiative.com

Your privacy is important to us. We prioritize discretion and use end-to-end encrypted email and messaging services.

Interested in Investing?

We are interested to hear from donors, strategic seed funders, or foundations who want to partner with us to scale our impact.