Rooted in community. Built for evidence.
GBOL is an African research and intelligence organisation based in Côte d’Ivoire, working across the continent.
From a conviction to an institution
GBOL was born from a simple conviction: policies, programmes and investments deliver better results when they are grounded in a fine understanding of social realities, local knowledge, field data and institutional dynamics.
From an Ivorian and African anchorage, GBOL builds a reference platform for applied research, strategic intelligence and advisory — at the service of public, private and community decision-making.
GBOL means “community”
In the Senoufo language of northern Côte d’Ivoire, GBOL means community. It captures what we believe: knowledge is built collectively, and evidence serves people. Community is both our origin and our method.
An Africa where decisions — public, private and community — are consistently shaped by reliable evidence and local knowledge.
To turn research, data and community knowledge into strategic decisions that create sustainable impact across the continent.
Our values
Excellence
We hold our work to the highest scientific and professional standards.
Integrity
Independent, honest and transparent in every engagement.
Collaboration
We build with partners, communities and institutions — never in isolation.
Impact
Evidence only matters when it changes decisions and improves lives.
Innovation
We bring new methods, tools and technology to old and new problems.
Founder
Dr. Ouattara Sangboliewa Lanzeny
Founder & Executive Director — Sociologist, Ph.D.
Dr. Ouattara Sangboliewa Lanzeny is a sociologist and researcher specialising in the dynamics of social transformation, governance and community resilience. He is the founder of GBOL, an organisation dedicated to applied research, strategic intelligence and advisory services in support of public, private and community decision-making.
Holding a Ph.D. in sociology, he has designed and led applied research, evaluations, baseline studies and monitoring-and-evaluation systems for more than ten years. His experience spans sustainable agriculture and rural development, cooperative governance, social cohesion and conflict prevention, the environment and public policy.
He has coordinated and contributed to numerous research and technical-assistance missions for national and international organisations, combining scientific rigour, action research and hands-on support to field actors. His work focuses on the mechanisms of social change, community adaptation strategies, local governance systems, agricultural value chains and the sustainability standards now reshaping the West African economy.
Through GBOL, he upholds a simple conviction: research only has value when it informs action. His ambition is to help build an African knowledge-production ecosystem capable of guiding public policy, strengthening organisations and securing impact investments.
A network of experts
GBOL works through a flexible network of researchers, data scientists, MEL specialists, sector experts and field enumerators across West Africa — assembled to fit the needs of each assignment. Interested in joining the network?
Join our networkWant to work with us?
Tell us about your challenge. We’ll show you how research, data and intelligence can move it forward.