Velocity Strategic Advisory (VSA)

Velocity Strategic Advisory (VSA)
“Where Policy, Peace, and Investment Align”

Organizational Overview & Core Competencies

Overview

Velocity Strategic Advisory (VSA) is a premier policy and strategy consultancy delivering high-impact, evidence-based insight to governments, international institutions, and private sector leaders. With a robust network of seasoned experts and practitioners, VSA specializes in geopolitical analysis, conflict-sensitive development, regional connectivity, and investment advisory, serving as a trusted partner in complex environments across Central and South Asia. VSA’s work is distinctly Afghanistan-centric, prioritizing strategies and solutions rooted in the country’s unique political, economic, and social realities.

Evolving from the former Velocity Consulting—originally founded in Afghanistan years ago—VSA represents a reinvigorated vision grounded in decades of practical experience in diplomacy, governance, development, and strategic communication. At a time of unprecedented geopolitical transformation in the region, VSA aims to offer timely and pragmatic support to a wide range of stakeholders.

Leadership: Mohammad Umer Daudzai

Mohammad Umer Daudzai, who currently leads Velocity Strategic Advisory (VSA), is among Afghanistan’s most experienced statesmen and international diplomats, with over 40 years of service spanning humanitarian work, diplomacy, governance, peacebuilding, and strategic affairs. Originally established as Velocity Consulting, the initiative has evolved into VSA under his strategic leadership, bringing renewed focus and depth to its mission.

A native of the Qarabagh District in Kabul Province, Daudzai’s journey began in the resistance movement against Soviet occupation in the 1980s. He later served with organizations such as Save the Children UK, the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, and UNDP, before moving into high-level public service:

  • Chief of Staff to President Hamid Karzai (2003–2005, 2007–2011) – Oversaw institutional reform and governance stabilization.
  • Ambassador to Iran (2005–2007) and Pakistan (2011–2013) – Played a vital role in regional diplomacy.
  • Minister of Interior Affairs (2013–2014) – Oversaw police reform, election security, and counter-narcotics.
  • Chief Executive of the Protection and Stability Council of Afghanistan – Mobilized political and civil society actors.
  • Head of the High Peace Council & Special Envoy on Peace (2018–2019) – Led regional consensus efforts on peace with the Taliban.
  • Campaign Chief for President Ghani’s 2019 Election – Led the State Builder team to electoral victory.
  • Special Envoy for Pakistan (2020–2021) – Headed diplomatic efforts during a critical stage of the peace process.

Mr. Daudzai is currently a Fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), contributing to regional policy and security discourse. Fluent in Pashto, Dari, English, and Urdu, he brings unparalleled insight and leadership to VSA.

Vision and Mission

VSA envisions itself as a globally respected policy and strategic advisory hub rooted in regional expertise. Its mission is to provide reliable, context-aware solutions that bridge local knowledge with global standards.

Core Services

  • Policy Briefs & Strategic Advice – Timely, rigorous analyses on security, diplomacy, development, and governance.
  • Political Consultation – Support for political actors, NGOs, and governments, including conflict-sensitive strategy and stakeholder mapping.
  • Outsourced Research Services – Field-based and desk research for global partners.
  • Investor Political Risk Analysis – Tailored risk assessments for infrastructure, energy, and resource investments.
  • Development Policy Analysis – Strategic guidance to donors and international agencies to maximize development impact.
  • Confidence-Building Dialogues – Facilitation of Track II and confidential dialogues for consensus building.
  • Investment Facilitation & Strategic Lobbying – strategic counsel to governments and corporations to facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI), forge public-private partnerships, and design targeted lobbying campaigns that align commercial interests with national development priorities.

Infrastructure & Regional Connectivity Advisory

VSA specializes in regional infrastructure and mega-projects, offering policy advice, political risk analysis, and negotiation support for flagship initiatives such as (but not limited to):

  • TAPI Gas Pipeline
  • CASA-1000 Electricity Project
  • TAP Power Corridor
  • Five Nations Railway Corridor
  • Lapis Lazuli Trade Route
  • CPEC Extensions into Central Asia
  • TUTAP Power Transmission Project

VSA’s unique access and diplomatic insight enable it to assist in designing and de-risking transformative connectivity initiatives.

Team and Expertise

VSA draws on a trusted network of over 50 experts and partner institutions, including former ministers, renowned academics, political advisors, regional analysts, development practitioners, and sectoral specialists, NGOs and academic institutions, all with extensive experience in policy-making, research, and development across the following areas:

  • Diplomacy & Strategic Affairs
  • Peacebuilding & Crisis Response
  • Economic Governance & Public Finance
  • Mega-Projects & Resource Management
  • Telecommunications & Digital Infrastructure
  • Education, Health, Security & Intelligence

This diverse talent pool allows VSA to form agile, issue-specific teams for tailored assignments.

VSA Fellowship & Research Program
To strengthen its intellectual foundation, VSA will launch a Fellowship Program for individuals with significant contributions to peace, governance, and strategic development.

  • Senior Fellows – Esteemed policymakers, diplomats, and academics.
  • Research Fellows – Policy analysts focusing on the region’s emerging challenges.
  • Visiting Fellows – International experts contributing to collaborative dialogue and research.
  • Youth Fellows – Emerging Afghan and regional talent with fresh perspectives.

Strategic Dialogues & Research Hubs

VSA will host regional policy dialogues inspired by models like IISS and Chatham House. These platforms will:

  • Facilitate confidential Track I.5 and Track II engagements
  • Host the VSA Regional Peace & Development Dialogue
  • Publish VSA Papers, Policy Briefs, and Strategic Outlook Reports
  • Produce foresight analyses on conflict, development, and investment

Conclusion
In a region undergoing rapid change, Velocity Strategic Advisory (VSA) stands at the intersection of policy, diplomacy, and development. Grounded in seasoned leadership and supported by new generations of experts, VSA is poised to guide clients through complex transitions and toward sustainable peace, prosperity, and regional cooperation.