IsDB, WAIPA Honor Investment Promotion Agencies
The 2026 Investment Excellence Awards were presented during the 30th World Investment Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Investing
The IsDB Group and the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) presented the 2026 Investment Excellence Awards to investment promotion agencies from IsDB Member Countries at the 30th World Investment Conference in Geneva. An independent international jury selected the winners from 15 applications submitted for the 2026 edition.
Why it matters
The awards recognize agencies that attract and facilitate investment in developing member countries, highlighting sustainable projects and facilitation practices. Recognition of Least Developed Countries alongside larger economies signals an effort to broaden visibility for investment promotion efforts worldwide.
The 2026 edition drew 15 applications, which were screened for eligibility and then assessed by an independent international jury. The source does not disclose how many applications were eligible or how the jury weighed the published criteria.
The players
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group
The IsDB Group is a multilateral development finance institution that supports economic development and social progress in its member countries.
World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA)
WAIPA is a global network of investment promotion agencies that works to strengthen investment promotion practices worldwide.
General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI)
GAFI is Egypt's government body responsible for promoting investment and administering the country's free zones.
Invest Oman
Invest Oman is the national investment promotion agency of the Sultanate of Oman.
National Investment Promotion Agency of Comoros
This is the national agency responsible for promoting investment in the Union of the Comoros, a least developed country.
The details
Winners included the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) of Egypt, honored for the Kom Ombo Solar PV Power Project; Invest Oman, recognized for investment-ready projects and facilitation; and the National Investment Promotion Agency of Comoros, which received a Special Recognition Award for Least Developed Countries. The awards were presented by Ismail Ersahin, Sahal Almarwai, and Kadir Basboga before IPA leaders, government officials, investors, and private sector representatives.
Timeline
The awards were launched during the IsDB Group Annual Meetings 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The awards were presented at the 30th World Investment Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 11, 2026.
Market Dynamics
The awards extend the recognition function of the WAIPA network, which has long convened investment promotion agencies at its World Investment Conference series. Honoring agencies from least developed economies alongside larger ones reflects a continuing effort to channel foreign direct investment toward developing member countries.
For investors tracking development-focused markets, the awards point to agencies in Egypt, Oman, and Comoros that have demonstrated project-ready pipelines and facilitation practices. Readers evaluating cross-border opportunities may find these recognized agencies useful reference points when researching investment climates in IsDB Member Countries.
The takeaway
Recognition programs like these offer a practical signal of which investment promotion agencies are delivering results, and investors can use such honors as one input when assessing development-market opportunities.
Further reading
For broader context on how capital is directed toward development projects, see Investing.
