Hans Van Den Houten Chronicles Adventure and Cultural Discovery in One Year in Africa

Author Hans Van Den Houten invites readers into a vivid firsthand experience of life in Central Africa with his memoir, “One Year in Africa.” The book follows his journey through Congo Léopoldville, Burundi, and Rwanda during 1964 and 1965 while serving as a young international employee of Royal Dutch Shell.

Van Den Houten captures the intensity, beauty, and unpredictability of the African continent during a pivotal moment in its history. From the moment he steps into the dense equatorial atmosphere rich with new scents and sensations, he immerses readers in a world of cultural discovery and personal challenge.

“One Year in Africa” highlights a wide range of unforgettable experiences, including bustling social scenes, political tension, emerging business environments, encounters with wildlife, and friendships that shaped his understanding of the region. Through engaging storytelling, he offers an honest reflection on the risks, joys, and lessons that defined his year abroad.

Following his early career in Africa, Van Den Houten went on to serve in executive leadership roles with major international corporations and cultural institutions. His background gives this memoir a unique balance of adventurous spirit and thoughtful observation.

“One Year in Africa” is available now on Amazon.

About the Author
Hans Van Den Houten began his career with Royal Dutch Shell and later held senior executive positions with The Chase Manhattan Bank, Moody’s Investors Service, Dun & Bradstreet International, Fitch Investors Service, and Republic National Bank of New York. He also served as Director of Finance at The Museum of Modern Art in New York. His leadership extended into the cultural and nonprofit sectors, where he served as President and Board Member of The Netherland-America Foundation, co-founded several global professional associations, and supported healthcare initiatives through the ReachAnother Foundation.

He was decorated as a Knight in the Order of Orange Nassau by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in 2003 for his contributions to the relationships between the Netherlands and the United States.

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