UNIPGC, Gicobat seal major investment deal in Côte d’Ivoire

A major investment partnership aimed at unlocking funding for capital-intensive projects in Côte d’Ivoire has been sealed between Noble & Gold Consulting Ltd and Gicobat Group of Company under the framework of the UNIPGC–Global Economic Development Council (GEDC).

The agreement was signed during a high-level Business and Investment Roundtable held on May 12, 2026, at the World Trade Centre, where business executives, investors and development stakeholders gathered to discuss project financing and strategic investment opportunities across key sectors of the economy.

The roundtable featured the participation of the Global President of UNIPGC, His Excellency Amb. Jonathan Ojadah, Chief Executive Officer of Noble & Gold Consulting Ltd, Mr. Noble Eze, and the Chairman of Gicobat Group of Company, among other senior executives.

The partnership is expected to facilitate structured funding for infrastructure and capital projects in Abidjan through UNIPGC-GEDC’s network of international financial institutions and development partners.

Speaking at the event, Amb. Ojadah described the agreement as a significant milestone in advancing large-scale business initiatives requiring long-term financing and professional project management.

According to him, the collaboration aligns with UNIPGC-GEDC’s mandate of driving investment promotion, advisory services and economic development across Africa and beyond.

“Today, I am delighted to address this important topic on how leaders of established and reputable brands can secure the capital required for major expansion, technological advancement, or infrastructure development,” he said.

“The objective is not merely to find funding, but to attract the right funding at the most competitive cost of capital.”

Ojadah stressed that reputation remains a vital asset in attracting investors and financial institutions, especially for capital-intensive projects.

“In business, reputation is everything. In the world of capital-intensive projects, reputation is more than public perception; it is an asset class,” he stated.

“A reputable brand represents stability, proven performance and trustworthiness.”

Drawing from his experience in project financing engagements across Egypt, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, Ojadah explained that successful funding processes begin long before formal investment pitches are presented.

He noted that investors are increasingly focused on organisations that demonstrate financial discipline, operational efficiency and long-term value stewardship.

The UNIPGC-GEDC chairman identified transparency, operational excellence and a compelling project narrative as critical requirements for attracting development financing.

“Investors prefer businesses with proven operational systems and stable cash flow generation because these reduce investment risks,” he said.

He further outlined several financing models available to businesses seeking project funding, including bank financing, private equity, strategic partnerships, asset-based lending and vendor financing structures.

“Securing capital for projects as a reputable brand is ultimately about combining trust with strategic planning,” Ojadah added.

“Reputation is your strongest asset, and when paired with sound financial planning and a compelling vision, it becomes a powerful tool for building the future.”

The event also highlighted the growing role of international development institutions and impact investors in financing infrastructure, healthcare, energy, real estate and sustainable development projects across Africa.

Among the organisations referenced during the discussions were the International Finance Corporation, European Union, United Nations Capital Development Fund, OPEC Fund for International Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation.

Officials of Gicobat Group expressed optimism that the partnership would accelerate the implementation of ongoing and proposed projects by improving access to financing and reducing project delivery timelines.

Organisers noted that the choice of the World Trade Centre in Abidjan reflected the international significance of the engagement, particularly in relation to negotiations around trade, infrastructure and industrial development.

According to UNIPGC-GEDC, due diligence and project structuring processes were completed before the agreement was signed to ensure project bankability and strengthen investor confidence.

Both organisations also confirmed that implementation teams would immediately begin work on the next phase of the partnership, while assuring stakeholders that updates would be provided as project milestones are achieved.