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The iib West Africa has once again been awarded the “Partner Institution” Trophy, granted by the Blood Bank of the Agostinho Neto University Hospital (HUAN), in recognition of its ongoing commitment and the impact of the blood donation campaigns promoted by the institution over the years.

This distinction reflects the recognition of the work carried out by the bank through an initiative that is now in its 9th edition and has become one of its key corporate social responsibility actions. Implemented in partnership with the Blood Bank of the Agostinho Neto University Hospital, these campaigns have contributed to raising awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation and strengthening blood reserves, playing a significant role in saving lives.

Over the various editions, the initiative has continued to grow and strengthen its impact, mobilizing employees and fostering a culture of solidarity and civic engagement. The “Partner Institution” Trophy specifically highlights the consistency and tangible contribution of these campaigns to the cause of blood donation.

According to the Head of Marketing at iib West Africa: “Receiving this distinction once again is a great source of pride for us, as it represents recognition of work that has been consistently developed over the years. The true value of this trophy lies in the impact of our campaigns and in the contribution we are able to make to such an important cause as saving lives.”

iib West Africa expresses its gratitude for this distinction and reaffirms its commitment to continuing to promote initiatives that generate positive impact within the community.

As part of the celebrations of World Blood Donor Day, observed on June 14, the IX Edition of the iib Blood Donation Campaign took place today at iib’s headquarters, reinforcing our commitment to social responsibility, solidarity, and the promotion of life.

This initiative brought together employees, partners, and volunteers around a noble cause, helping to strengthen blood reserves and support the important work carried out by the Blood Bank of the Agostinho Neto University Hospital (HUAN).

A very special thank you to:

• iib employees, for their participation and spirit of solidarity;
• The HUAN team, for their professionalism, availability, and dedication;
• All donors who answered the call and contributed to the success of this campaign.

Every donation represents an opportunity to save lives and bring hope to those who need it most. Through simple yet invaluable acts of generosity, we continue to help build a more caring and compassionate society.

Thank you for being part of this mission. Together, we continue to make a difference!

iib, Your Bank, Your Future!

Addis Ababa, 2nd June 2026 – Building on its successful partnership with the Chevening Scholarships programme in Cabo Verde and Djibouti, iibGroup has renewed its support for the 2026–2027 academic year and expanded the initiative to Ethiopia. This year, three fully funded Chevening scholarships will be awarded across Africa, one each in Cabo Verde, Djibouti, and Ethiopia, reinforcing iib’s commitment to education, leadership development, and capacity building across the continent.

A formal signing ceremony was held on Tuesday, 2 June, at the residence of the UK Ambassador in Addis Ababa to officially mark the partnership. The event brought together H.E. Darren Welch, UK Ambassador to Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the African Union, and Sohail Sultan, Chairman of iibGroup. The ceremony was attended by a distinguished group of stakeholders, including S.K. Husain, Maruf Ahmed, Mateen Beg, Aynalem Ababu and Farah Sayeed, representing iib. Zafar Sultan, Scott Lewis and Ali Khuatau were also in attendance. The ceremony highlighted the collective commitment of all parties to foster meaningful collaboration and strengthen strategic partnerships in support of shared objectives.

Speaking at the occasion, Sohail Sultan, Chairman of iibGroup, said, “Over the past year, students supported through the iib Chevening Scholarships have demonstrated the transformative power of investing in talent. Their achievements are generating positive ripple effects, not only in their own lives but also across their communities. By extending this partnership to cover Ethiopia, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing future leaders and advancing sustainable and inclusive development across the continent. As an institution with an active presence in emerging markets, supporting social development is of critical importance to us. We are immensely proud to work closely with the FCDO and its local representatives on initiatives we truly believe in. Education, in our view, is fundamental to both social and economic progress, and the Chevening programme represents the very best of British values.”

H.E. Darren Welch, UK Ambassador to Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the African Union, stated, “This new partnership with iib will create opportunities for the next generation of women Ethiopian leaders through our Chevening programme. We are proud to be collaborating with iib to support Ethiopian talent, and through supporting scholarships in the financial sector, we will be giving opportunities to learn about the London market, one of the world’s biggest and most innovative. Through the Chevening programme, we are investing not only in education, but in the future of Ethiopia’s financial sector and its global connections. We look forward to seeing the impact these brilliant scholars will have in the years ahead.”

The Chevening Scholarship initiative, funded by the UK Government, is aimed at exceptional individuals with proven leadership potential and a strong drive to make an impact. The programme fully supports postgraduate studies at universities across the United Kingdom while also connecting scholars to an influential international community of more than 60,000 alumni spanning over 160 countries and regions worldwide.

Beyond covering tuition and living expenses, iib will provide selected scholars with mentorship, professional guidance, and hands-on exposure to its diverse portfolio of initiatives through active involvement in meaningful projects across the organisation. This continued commitment reflects iib’s dedication to developing future leaders, creating lasting social impact, and empowering talented individuals to drive innovation and contribute to sustainable development within their communities and beyond.

About iibGroup Holdings W.L.L. (Bahrain)

iibGroup is a diversified international investment and banking group with operations across East Africa, the Middle East, West Africa, and the Caribbean. The Group provides commercial banking, structured investment and advisory solutions while also deploying capital into high-impact sectors such as trade, digital infrastructure, and financial inclusion. Through its regional platforms, iibGroup supports SMEs, empowers women- and youth-led enterprises, and channels capital to industries that strengthen regional integration and sustainable growth across emerging markets.

About iib East Africa

iib East Africa is a licensed banking institution based in Djibouti, with a representative office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, serving corporate and institutional clients across the Ethiopia–Djibouti corridor. The bank is committed to advancing financial inclusion, innovation, and private sector development in the region.

Lisbon, 19 May 2026 – iibGroup is once again partnering with Chevening Scholarships, the UK programme that provides scholarships for postgraduate studies in the UK, with the award of three scholarships in Africa: one in Cabo Verde, one in Djibouti and another in Ethiopia.
The partnership with Cabo Verde was formalized on Monday 18 May in Lisbon, with the signing of the agreement between Lisa Bandari, UK Ambassador to Portugal and Cabo Verde, and Sohail Sultan, Chairman iibGroup. The ceremony was also attended by S.K. Husain, COO iibGroup, Joseph Carasso, CEO iib West Africa and Sabiha Sultan, Director – Institutional Investors iibGroup.

“The students who have benefited from Chevening scholarships through iibGroup over the past year demonstrate the real impact that this type of initiative can have, not only at an individual level but also within their communities. By renewing this partnership, we are reinforcing our commitment to empowering talent and promoting more inclusive and sustainable development, training the leaders of tomorrow”, emphasized Sohail Sultan during the event.

Also at the ceremony, Lisa Bandari stated: “Chevening It is truly a life-changing experience, opening doors to world-class education, cultural exchange, and a global network of over 60,000 alumni, including presidents, entrepreneurs, scientists, educators, and civil society leaders. Today’s renewal ensures that another talented Master’s student will have that same opportunity. We strongly believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. By funding this scholarship with the UK Government, iibGroup is helping to close that gap and unlock potential in Cabo Verde”.
Chevening is the UK government’s scholarship programme, through which scholarships are awarded to individuals with a strong academic background who demonstrate leadership potential. It offers financial support to study at a UK university and the opportunity to join an influential global network of over 60,000 alumni across more than 160 countries and territories.

In addition to financial support, iibGroup will mentor and support the selected students, integrating them into the group’s various initiatives. iibGroup continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for progress, reaffirming its commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and promoting innovation for a more sustainable future.

Applications for Chevening scholarships are currently being reviewed.

About iibGroup Holdings W.L.L. (Bahrain)
iibGroup is a diversified international investment and banking group with operations across East Africa, the Middle East, West Africa, and the Caribbean. The Group provides commercial banking, structured investment and advisory solutions while also deploying capital into high-impact sectors such as trade, digital infrastructure, and financial inclusion. Through its regional platforms, iibGroup supports SMEs, empowers women- and youth-led enterprises, and channels capital to industries that strengthen regional integration and sustainable growth across emerging markets.
For more information, visit www.iibanks.com

About iib West Africa:
iib West Africa is a licensed banking institution headquartered in Cape Verde, serving corporate and institutional clients across the African continent. The bank is committed to promoting financial inclusion, innovation and the development of the private sector in the region.

London, 21 April 2026 — iibGroup is proud to announce that iib East Africa has been named Best Sustainable Bank in Djibouti 2026 by Global Finance Magazine as part of its annual Sustainable Finance Awards. The recognition was presented at the Global Finance Awards Ceremony, bringing together leading financial institutions from around the world.

This marks the second consecutive year the bank has received this recognition, reinforcing its growing role in advancing sustainable finance across the Ethiopia–Djibouti corridor.

The Global Finance Sustainable Finance Awards recognise institutions demonstrating strong integration of sustainability into their operations, alongside measurable contribution to economic development through responsible financing practices.

Representing iibGroup at the ceremony were Sohail Sultan, Chairman of iibGroup, and S.K. Husain, COO, who accepted the award on behalf of the bank. The recognition reflects iib East Africa’s continued focus on enabling access to finance, supporting enterprise growth, and delivering responsible banking solutions in Djibouti and the wider region.

Commenting on the achievement, Sohail Sultan, Chairman of iibGroup, said:
“Sustainable finance remains central to how we operate across our markets. Our focus is on deploying capital in a way that supports long-term economic growth while enabling businesses to scale. This recognition reflects the progress we are making in delivering that impact.”

iib East Africa continues to prioritise sustainable finance across key sectors including trade, infrastructure, and private enterprise, supporting long-term development while strengthening financial inclusion.

This recognition further underscores iibGroup’s commitment to building a responsible and impact-driven banking platform across emerging markets.

Groundbreaking Initiative Aims to Modernise National Electricity Grid, Reduce Losses, and Accelerate Cabo Verde’s Energy Transition.

Dr. Olavo Correia, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Cabo Verde; and Mr. Sohail Sultan, CEO of iibGroup.

PRAIA, Cabo Verde / WASHINGTON, D.C., April 2025
In a landmark move for Cabo Verde’s sustainable development, the Intercontinental Investment Bank S.A. (iib West Africa) and the Ministry of Finance of Cabo Verde (MoF CV) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the issuance of a Sovereign-Guaranteed Green Bond for Empresa de Distribuição de Eletricidade de Cabo Verde (EDEC). The signing took place on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., reinforcing Cabo Verde’s commitment to a green and resilient energy future.

This dedicated agreement between iib and the Ministry of Finance underscores the Government’s active role in structuring a financing solution tailored to the needs of the Cabo Verdean people. The Green Bond will unlock critical investment to strengthen EDEC’s operational capacity, improve electricity production and distribution, and reduce technical and non-technical losses across the national grid.

Key Transaction Highlights

• Sovereign-Guaranteed up to EUR 50 million 7-year Green Bond
• Fully Underwritten and Subscribed by iib West Africa
• Funded by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)

A Bond for Cabo Verde, by Cabo Verdeans
The Sovereign-Guaranteed Green Bond is designed to directly benefit households, businesses, and communities across all nine inhabited islands of the archipelago. Proceeds will be used to promote the country’s energy transition through improvement of the energy mix, reinforcement of efficiencies, reduction of losses and boosting of generation capacity, as well as promoting social inclusion by increasing access to electricity for low-income families.

Key national priorities to be funded include:

• Expanding energy access – Bringing reliable electricity to underserved communities
• Reducing system losses – Modernising infrastructure to curb inefficiencies in the distribution network
• Enhancing energy efficiency – Supporting measures that lower electricity costs for consumers
• Strengthening EDEC – Enabling the utility to deliver more stable and sustainable power

Mr. Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member, Head Financial Services, Africa Finance Corporation; and Mr. Sohail Sultan, CEO of iibGroup.

Publicity and Transparency at the Forefront
Recognising that public awareness is essential to the success of the initiative, iib and the Ministry of Finance have committed to a comprehensive communications campaign across Cabo Verde. Radio broadcasts, community meetings, and digital platforms will be used to explain how the Green Bond works, how funds will be deployed, and how citizens can benefit from a modernised energy sector.

H.E. Olavo Avelino Garcia Correia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Cabo Verde, said, “This agreement reflects our clear national ambition to achieve universal access to electricity in Cabo Verde by 2027 while ensuring energy is accessible, affordable, and clean. For a Small Island State like ours, energy is more than just infrastructure, it is the foundation of opportunity, competitiveness, and social inclusion. The sustainability of Cabo Verde depends largely on the sustainability of our energy system. We must reduce losses, expand generation capacity, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy so that families, businesses, and communities across all islands can benefit from reliable, lower-cost electricity. Clean and affordable energy is not just an environmental goal; it is a development imperative. This green financing mechanism represents the path forward. It enables us to mobilize long-term, sustainable capital that aligns with our climate and development priorities while strengthening the financial and operational capacity of our energy sector. Through innovative partnerships like this one, we can leverage resources, attract investment, and transform ambition into concrete results. Today, we are not only signing a financing framework, but also reinforcing our commitment to a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for Cabo Verde. A future powered by clean energy, expanded opportunity, and the shared determination to leave no island or family behind.”

Sohail Sultan, Chairman, iibGroup, added, “This Green Bond is about engineering a structure where sovereign credibility, multilateral expertise, and private capital converge to solve a systemic problem. AFC brings unparalleled infrastructure delivery experience across Africa. Together, we are demonstrating that bankable green finance does not require concessionary rates. It requires intelligent risk allocation and long-term alignment of incentives. The real insight is this: when you design for the specific technical realities of a utility like EDEC, loss reduction, grid stability, generation efficiency, you unlock value that benefits the entire economy. That is the strategy. The bond is simply its expression.”

The parties will now proceed with finalising the bond structuring, regulatory approvals, and investor roadshows. The Green Bond issuance is expected to open for subscription later this year, with funds disbursed to EDEC thereafter.

About iibGroup Holdings W.L.L. (Bahrain)
iibGroup is a diversified international investment and banking group with operations across East Africa, the Middle East, West Africa, and the Caribbean. The Group provides commercial banking, structured investment and advisory solutions while also deploying capital into high-impact sectors such as trade, digital infrastructure, and financial inclusion. Through its regional platforms, iibGroup supports SMEs, empowers women- and youth-led enterprises, and channels capital to industries that strengthen regional integration and sustainable growth across emerging markets.

About iib West Africa (Cabo Verde)
iib West Africa is a licensed banking institution based in Cabo Verde, serving corporate and institutional clients across the African continent. The bank is committed to advancing financial inclusion, innovation, and private sector development in the region.

About the Ministry of Finance of Cabo Verde
The Ministry of Finance oversees the fiscal and economic policies of the Republic of Cabo Verde, including sovereign debt management, public investment, and international financial partnerships.

Landmark Agreement Unlocks Financing for a Sovereign-Guaranteed Green Bond to be issued by Empresa de Distribuição de Eletricidade de Cabo Verde in Cabo Verde, Supporting National Energy Transition.

Mr. Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member, Head Financial Services, Africa Finance Corporation; and Mr. Sohail Sultan, CEO of iibGroup.

Washington, D.C., April 15, 2025 – The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the Intercontinental Investment Bank, S.A. (iib West Africa) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Washington, D.C. The agreement establishes the framework for a Term Loan Facility of up to EUR 50,000,000, intended to finance the underwriting and subscription of a Sovereign-Guaranteed Green Bond to be issued by Empresa de Distribuição de Eletricidade de Cabo Verde (EDEC), marking a significant milestone in sustainable infrastructure financing on the African continent.

The signing ceremony will be attended by high-level government representatives from Cabo Verde, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, H.E. Olavo Avelino Garcia Correia, reflecting the commitment of both institutions, as well as the Government of Cabo Verde, to advancing sustainable development and green energy solutions in the country and across Africa.

Strategic MoU: Laying the Foundations for a Long-Term Partnership
The MoU for the finance facility, between iib West Africa and AFC, establishes the foundation for a strategic partnership, focussing on the closer cooperation of both institutions to build a strategic partnership in jointly supporting and financing key infrastructure initiatives in Africa.

This MoU is designed to enable the structuring and eventual issuance of a sustainable bond for EDEC, the Cabo Verde Electricity and Water Company, with the overarching aim of supporting the country’s energy transition and advancing its pathway toward a greener, more resilient economy.

Supporting EDEC and Cabo Verde’s Energy Future
The proceeds of the Bond will be used to deliver tangible impact across Cabo Verde’s energy sector. Key objectives include:

• Improving generation and strengthening EDEC’s operational capacity in energy production and distribution;
• Implementing targeted measures to reduce losses in the electricity distribution network;
• Increasing access to electricity in the country and increasing overall energy efficiency across the archipelago.

Together, AFC and iib West Africa aim to foster innovative and sustainable financing solutions that are aligned with the strategic needs of Cabo Verde’s energy sector, contributing to its long-term modernisation and development.

Dr. Olavo Correia, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Cabo Verde; and Mr. Sohail Sultan, CEO of iibGroup.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sohail Sultan, Chairman, iibGroup, said, “This signing represents a defining moment not only for our institutions, but for the people of Cabo Verde and the broader African continent. At iib, we believe that the future of sustainable development lies in forging partnerships that combine multilateral expertise with on-the-ground commitment. The Sovereign-Guaranteed EDEC Green Bond aims to channel international capital directly into the energy infrastructure that communities depend on. We are proud to stand alongside AFC in this endeavour, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration through this MoU.”

“The signing of this MoU represents the first step toward a partnership that aims to bridge Africa’s infrastructure gap through innovative climate finance. By establishing a framework to consider Cabo Verde’s upcoming Sovereign-Guaranteed Green Bond, we hope to facilitate the liquidity necessary to modernize the national power grid and support the transition to renewable energy. We look forward to working closely with the Government of Cabo Verde and iib West Africa to finalize this transaction,” said Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member, Head Financial Services, AFC.

About iibGroup Holdings W.L.L. (Bahrain)
iibGroup is a diversified international investment and banking group with operations across East Africa, the Middle East, West Africa, and the Caribbean. The Group provides commercial banking, structured investment and advisory solutions while also deploying capital into high-impact sectors such as trade, digital infrastructure, and financial inclusion. Through its regional platforms, iibGroup supports SMEs, empowers women- and youth-led enterprises, and channels capital to industries that strengthen regional integration and sustainable growth across emerging markets.

About iib West Africa (Cabo Verde)
iib West Africa is a licensed banking institution based in Cabo Verde, serving corporate and institutional clients across the African continent. The bank is committed to advancing financial inclusion, innovation, and private sector development in the region.

About Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Eighteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of energy, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 48 member countries and has invested over US$19 billion in 36 African countries since its inception.

Djibouti — 15th April, 2026 – iib East Africa, part of iibGroup, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the Chevening Scholarship Programme, further strengthening its commitment to education and talent development across Africa.

As part of the initiative, iibGroup will sponsor three scholars for the upcoming academic cycle one each from Djibouti, Ethiopia and Cape Verde enabling them to pursue one year postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.

The agreement reflects an expansion of the partnership, with Ethiopia included this year, alongside Djibouti and Cape Verde, reinforcing iibGroup’s growing regional footprint and cross-market engagement.

The signing ceremony was held in Djibouti and attended by Maruf Ahmed, Director iib East Africa; Neima Omar, Chief Operating Officer; Nasir Abdi, Head of Client Coverage; Vinay Talwar, H.E Ambassador of UK to Djibouti and other colleagues.

Strategic Focus on Talent and Regional Development
Through this collaboration with the Chevening Scholarship Programme, one of the UK government’s most prestigious global scholarship initiatives. Through this partnership, iibGroup will enable selected scholars to pursue one-year further studies in the United Kingdom, contributing to the development of skilled professionals across its core markets while strengthening regional connectivity through shared academic and leadership exposure.

Maruf Ahmed – Director iib East Africa commented:
“This year’s expansion to include Ethiopia reflects the natural progression of our regional strategy. By extending this partnership across three markets, we are supporting the development of talent that understands both local realities and global frameworks, an essential combination for the next phase of growth across our operating regions.”

Vinay Talwar – H.E. Ambassador of UK to Djibouti added:
“Our continued partnership with Chevening in Djibouti reflects a long-term commitment to investing in people. Initiatives like this play an important role in strengthening institutional and educational ties, while creating opportunities for future leaders to contribute meaningfully to national development.”

Driving Long-Term Impact
The initiative forms part of iibGroup’s broader ESG and development agenda, which focuses on strengthening local ecosystems through education, financial inclusion, and strategic partnerships.
By aligning with globally recognized institutions such as Chevening, iibGroup continues to position itself as a catalyst for meaningful, long-term impact across emerging markets.

About iib East Africa (Djibouti)
iib East Africa is a licensed banking institution based in Djibouti, serving corporate and institutional clients across the Ethiopia–Djibouti corridor. The bank is committed to advancing financial inclusion, innovation, and private sector development in the region.

About iibGroup Holdings W.L.L. (Bahrain)
iibGroup is a diversified international investment and banking group with operations across East Africa, the Middle East, West Africa, and the Caribbean. The Group provides banking, investment, and advisory solutions while also deploying capital into high-impact sectors such as trade, digital infrastructure, and financial inclusion. Through its regional platforms, iibGroup supports SMEs, empowers women- and youth-led enterprises, and channels capital to industries that strengthen regional integration and sustainable growth across emerging markets.

About Chevening
Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarships programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. It offers outstanding emerging leaders from around the world the opportunity to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK.