About

GlobiQ International (GQI) is a premier global consulting firm, renowned for its expertise in strategic communications and consultancy services. Our mission is to provide exceptional, tailored solutions to our diverse client base, which includes corporations, political organisations, and high-profile individuals. With a team of experienced professionals, we navigate complex communication challenges and deliver impactful results.

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission is to empower and elevate our clients through bespoke consultancy services that blend astute analysis, strategic foresight, and innovative solutions. We are dedicated to delivering superior outcomes, advancing our clients' objectives with precision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

At GlobiQ International, our vision is to redefine the paradigm of consultancy, establishing ourselves as the quintessential partner for entities navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving global landscape. We aspire to be synonymous with transformative insights and unparalleled strategic acumen.

Two people, man and a woman discussing ideas and ways to achieve goals and provide innovative solutions.

Three team members working together to achieve their goals by supporting each other's efforts.

Why choose us?

GlobiQ International distinguishes itself through innovative leadership, collaborative synergy, and a commitment to global impact, leveraging diversity and ethical stewardship to deliver unparalleled consulting services

Tailored for visionaries from global corporations, government agencies, and high-profile individuals seeking strategic excellence, we offer nuanced solutions for complex challenges.

Our team

James Woods is an African affairs consultant and a strategic communications expert, recognised for his multifaceted career spanning sports, business, politics, and governance. He is Partner and Director at Rainbow Sports Global, where he has played a critical role in positioning the company as a leading Pan-African sports enterprise, specialising in sports management, marketing, and media solutions for African football and sport in general.

Woods' career is marked by contributions to Africa-EU relations through his tour of duty as a senior diplomat for the Embassy of Malawi to Belgium and the European Union. His role encompassed intricate diplomatic engagements with key European nations including France, Principality of Monaco, Andorra, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, as well as with various international bodies (FAO; IFAD;OPCW; UNESCO; ACP; ICC; ICJ to name a few) and government institutions. Has worked on promoting good governance in Africa through his three year tenure at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. He also served as an Advisor at Invest Africa (formally known as Business Council for Africa) and offers regular analysis on Africa’s political and socio-economic affairs on television, radio and print.

Woods has provided strategic counsel in presidential elections across Africa as well as advising numerous heads of states and global business leaders. His work has extended to the private sector where he has offered services in due diligence, communications, market entry, and governmental relations.

In addition to these roles, Woods has collaborated with governments on strategic communications and investment, leveraging his diplomatic experience and deep understanding of African markets to foster positive outcomes in international relations and economic development.

In 2015, he was honoured with the prestigious African Achiever of the Year award at the African Achievers Awards in Johannesburg, South Africa, a recognition he shared with notable figures such as President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and Chairwoman of the African Union, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. The following year, he was celebrated with the Malawi Rising Star Award by the Malawi Achievers Awards in the UK.

He is an Archbishop Desmond Tutu Fellow and holds a bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy, and History from the University of London. Additionally, he earned an MSc in Social Policy and Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He has also received high-level training and certifications in Diplomacy, Strategic Communications, and Crisis Management from the Clingendael Institute of International Affairs in the Netherlands. Furthermore, he holds an Executive MBA from the University of Oxford, Saïd Business School.

James Woods

Founder and CEO

An African affairs consultant and strategic communications expert with a profound impact on Africa-EU relations and governance. Additionally, James is deeply involved in sports development initiatives, leveraging his expertise to foster athletic talent and promote sports diplomacy across emerging and developed markets.

Francis Nyarai Ndende is a legal and governance expert. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Corporate and Institutional Integrity Africa (CII-Africa).
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Francis founded a private practice law firm, representing private individuals, non-governmental organisations, and multinational corporations. His comprehensive legal knowledge and dedication to delivering bespoke solutions have earned him a strong reputation within the legal community.
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In addition to his private practice, Francis is a full-time international consultant, specialising in governance, compliance, law, anti-corruption, investigations, and anti-money laundering. His extensive consulting experience includes working with companies in Brazil, South Africa, and Malawi.
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Francis has also contributed his expertise to the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) as a Consultant in their Sanctions Office. In this role, he supported sanctions proceedings and enforced anti-corruption measures.
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Francis is a PhD candidate in Law at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is also holds a MSc in International Public Policy at Queen Mary, University of London.
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Francis holds a MA in International Anti-Corruption Compliance and Collective Action from the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Vienna, Austria, and a Master of Laws (LLM) in Commercial Law from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. He completed his Bachelor of Laws (LLB, Honours) and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) at the University of Malawi.
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Additionally, Francis has acquired several certifications and accreditations to enhance his expertise. He holds a Certificate in Risk and Compliance Management from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. He is a Certified Forensic Investigator, accredited by the International Institute of Certified Forensic Investigation Professionals in London, United Kingdom. He has also completed various certificates related to suspicious transactions, terrorist financing, and international cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
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His impressive credentials have led to his appointment as a member of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Non-State Actors Task Force, further solidifying his standing as a highly qualified professional in his field.

Francis Nyarai Ndende

Partner and Director

A qualified lawyer and full-time international consultant specialising in AI regulations, governance, compliance, law, anti-corruption, investigations, and anti-money laundering. He leads Corporate and Institutional Integrity Africa (CII-Africa) and has an extensive academic background.

Chris agyapong febiri

Director

A Human Rights lawyer, PR, and Media executive specialising in reputational management. Known for his contrarian views and expertise in providing effective communication strategies for diverse clients across multiple jurisdictions.

Daniel Johns is a result driven entrepreneur and business development strategist with a strong network across various industries. He specialises in building strategic partnerships, expanding market opportunities, and facilitating high-value commercial deals.

With experience in business and corporate growth, Daniel has played a key role in connecting businesses, investors, and stakeholders to drive success. His ability to identify opportunities, negotiate effectively, and develop sustainable business models has led to long-term collaborations and impactful business ventures.

Daniel is passionate about fostering relationships that create real value, bringing together global expertise to deliver innovative and scalable solutions.

Daniel Johns

Partner and Director

Results-driven entrepreneur specializing in strategic partnerships, market expansion, and high-value deals. He connects businesses, investors, and stakeholders to drive growth and deliver scalable solutions.

Advisory board

James is a lawyer with over fifty years of international experience. He has lived and worked in Malawi, Kenya, Russia, and across sub-Saharan Africa and the former Soviet Union. James’s spans legal and business advisory services on corporate, commercial, and financial matters for governments, private, and non-governmental clients.

James has a broad sector experience, having worked in agriculture, airline, energy (including renewable energy), finance, hotels and hospitality, manufacturing, and natural resources (including forestry, mining, and oil and gas).

He holds a B.A. in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. James has served as a consultant to the World Bank and IFC for over 32 years, advising governments on how to attract foreign investment into Africa. Additionally, he has been a partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, a senior manager at Citibank, and a non-executive director of NMBZ Holdings (Zimbabwe), Franconia Minerals Corp(Canada), and the International Eye Foundation.

James has advised the governments of over thirty countries on issues of direct foreign investment and major global corporations on working with local partners in emerging markets.

Notable Projects:
- Advised the World Bank and participated in its mission to Accra, Ghana, to review the investment climate, the government's investment policies, and the legal, regulatory, administrative, and institutional barriers to foreign investment.
- Provided legal support for LUKOIL’s investment projects in Russia and Africa.
- Assisted ALICO in implementing investment projects in Kenya in real estate and the industrial sectors.
- Consulted for Arkel International on sugar projects in Kenya.
- Advised BHP on acquiring an exploration licence for nickel in Tanzania.
- Provided legal support for opening Citibank’s branches in Africa.
- Supported investment projects for Core Carbon Group under joint implementation pursuant to the Kyoto Protocol.
- Advised Gecamines on joint venture negotiations for mining projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and on asset-based financing for cobalt exports. - Advised IFC on investment projects in several African countries.
- Advised Jeep on a joint venture for the assembly of Jeep vehicles in Kenya.
- Provided legal support for investment projects for the Mt. Kenya Safari Club in Kenya and financial restructuring.
- Advised the National Bank of Liberia on investments in the mining, financial, and agricultural sectors.
- Advised Stanbic Bank on the acquisition of nine banks in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Supported USAID in investment climate projects in Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Provided legal support for World Bank projects in several countries in Africa, Nepal, Guyana, and Indonesia, including reviewing public procurement laws and practices in five African countries.
- Advised Nord Anglia on a joint venture in Russia.
- Advised Mitsui on investment projects in Russia pursuant to the Kyoto Protocol.
- Advised Sante Fe Mining on an investment in a gold mining project in Kyrgyzstan.
- Provided legal support for SIDANCO’s joint ventures and financings in Russia.
- Offered investment climate advisory services as a consultant for the World Bank/IFC for over 32 years to 26 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Central/Eastern Europe, including drafting investment laws and regulations.

Jim Friedlander

Advisory Board

Brings over five decades of international investment advisory, specialising in foreign investment cultivation and strategic legal counsel.

Eric Chinje

Advisory Board

A leader in strategic communications and media, with roles at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and World Bank, shaping development journalism in Africa.