International Affairs Team

Shaffiou Assoumanou, Strategic Relationships Director, Africa

Shaffiou Assoumanou serves as the Strategic Relationships Director, Africa, at the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, where he leads the City’s global engagement strategy with the diplomatic community, including Consulates, Permanent Missions, and the United Nations. Working closely with the Deputy Commissioner for Policy & strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff, Shaffiou drives strategic initiatives that elevate New York City’s international partnerships, highlight agency innovation, and strengthen collaboration between global stakeholders and local government. He is specifically responsible for managing relationships with the African Consulates General and Permanent Missions. Shaffiou also fosters positive relationships with the African diaspora in NYC. He supports high-level diplomatic visits, curates joint programming, and ensures that NYC’s global relationships remain dynamic, relevant, and mutually impactful.

Previously, Shaffiou was the Trade, Investment, and Innovation Associate, where he advanced New York City’s global economic engagement, built connections with international businesses and trade commissions, and led strategic outreach and initiatives related to Africa and African communities across NYC.

His public sector experience includes serving as a Seasonal Project Manager with the Economic Development Department at Stamford Government Center, where he co-managed a $1.5 million COVID-19 relief grant program for small businesses and drove economic recovery efforts in collaboration with local partners. Shaffiou began his career in corporate finance as a Senior Finance Associate at Prudential Financial, where he supported forecasting, financial reporting, and the transition of Prudential Retirement’s acquisition by Empower.

He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics, with a minor in Political Science, from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College.

Originally from Togo, West Africa, Shaffiou lives in the Bronx and is passionate about advancing inclusive, city-led diplomacy that positions New York City as a global leader in innovation, equity, and partnership.