LONDON, United Kingdom, July 19, 2025 (EZ Newswire) — iib East Africa, opens new tab has earned international recognition for its leadership in sustainable banking, securing three prestigious awards in 2025 from Euromoney, Global Finance and World Finance.

These accolades underscore iib East Africa’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility, ethical banking practices, and inclusive economic development in the Horn of Africa.

On July 18, 2025, Euromoney, opens new tab named iib East Africa Djibouti’s Best Bank for ESG, opens new tab in its 2025 Awards for Excellence, reinforcing the bank’s role as a catalyst for impact-driven finance in one of Africa’s fastest-growing trade corridors.

On January 20, 2025, Global Finance, opens new tab named iib East Africa as the Best Sustainable Bank in its 2025 Sustainable Finance Awards, opens new tab, recognizing the bank’s integration of ESG principles into core operations, innovative green financing frameworks, and community-led climate initiatives.

On June 23, 2025, World Finance, opens new tab awarded iib East Africa the title of Most Sustainable Bank in Djibouti, opens new tab, commending its efforts to decarbonize lending portfolios, champion SME access to sustainable finance, and fund renewable infrastructure across the region.

iib East Africa has received the Best Sustainable Bank 2025 award from World Finance, recognising its leadership in embedding sustainability into core banking operations and development partnerships.

The award highlights the bank’s efforts to channel finance into climate resilience, clean energy, and inclusive growth initiatives. Over the past year, iib East Africa has deepened its commitment to environmental and social governance (ESG), while supporting underserved communities and green ventures.

“At iib, sustainability is not an add-on. It is central to how we operate and how we serve,” said Sohail Sultan, Group CEO of iib. “This award validates the work our teams are doing to enable a low-carbon, inclusive future in East Africa.”

The bank’s climate finance portfolio continues to grow, with targeted support for SMEs, women-led businesses, and renewable energy projects. iib East Africa also partners with international institutions to deliver affordable, climate-resilient housing and build local capacity in green skills.

“Our purpose is rooted in impact. We are here to help communities thrive, not just economies grow,” Sultan added. “Being recognised by World Finance encourages us to go further and do more.”

World Finance honours financial institutions that lead with purpose and performance. iib East Africa’s recognition affirms its role as a sustainable finance pioneer in the region.

About World Finance

World Finance is a leading bi-monthly financial publication that has been operating since 2007, offering in-depth coverage and analysis of the financial industry, international business, and global economic trends. With a focus on innovation, leadership, and market intelligence, its annual awards recognize excellence across banking, finance, and corporate governance worldwide.

Lisbon, May 15 th , 2025 – iibGroup has partnered with the Chevening Scholarships, the UK program that guarantees scholarships for postgraduate studies in that country, with the award of a scholarship in both Cape Verde and Djibouti.

The partnership with Cape Verde was formalized this Thursday, May 15, in Lisbon, with the signing of the protocol between the UK Ambassador to Portugal and Cape Verde, Lisa Bandari, and Joseph Carasso, CEO iib West Africa. The ceremony was also attended by the CEO of iib West Africa, Joseph Carasso, Duarte Maria de Sousa Araujo Martins accompanied by his wife, Dona Maria Francisca, Duchess of Coimbra, and other guests.

Speaking at the occasion, Sohail Sultan, Chairman iibGroup, said, ‘At iib, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for the development of societies. Partnering with the Chevening Scholarship allows us to invest in the next generation of leaders who will not only uplift Cabo Verde but also strengthen global ties through knowledge and collaboration. We are honoured to formalize this commitment today, in partnership with the British government, and look forward to the impact this initiative will have.”

Also at the ceremony, Lisa Bandari, stated, ‘“Chevening is more than a scholarship – it is a life-changing experience, which opens doors to world-class universities, cultural diversity, and a network of 60,000 alumni worldwide. We are delighted to welcome iibGroup as a partner in this important initiative. Their commitment to supporting talent in Cape Verde reflects a shared belief that education is a driving force for global progress.”

Chevening is the UK government’s scholarship program, through which scholarships are awarded to people with a solid 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 50,000 alumni in more than 160 countries and territories.

In addition to financial support, iibGroup will mentor and promote 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 the Chevening scholarship for Cape Verde are currently being considered.

iib is proud to announce its partnership with the UK’s prestigious Chevening Scholarship postgraduate program, reaffirming our dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders in Djibouti and beyond. This collaboration reflects iib’s ongoing efforts to invest in education, leadership, and innovation by supporting exceptional individuals in their academic and professional journeys. In addition to the scholarship in Djibouti, iib West Africa will also be sponsoring a scholarship in Cape Verde.

The Chevening Scholarship, with a legacy spanning 42 years, has nurtured thousands of outstanding scholars worldwide, many of whom have gone on to hold influential positions in politics, commerce, science and the arts. It’s an astonishing global network. Through this program, iib aims to provide talented individuals from Djibouti with the opportunity to access world-class education, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and networks necessary to drive change in their communities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, H.E. Vinay Talwar, British Ambassador to Djibouti & UK Representative to IGAD said, “The Chevening program has been running for 42 years, fostering bright minds who have gone on to hold key positions worldwide. We’re really delighted that iib is joining this initiative. Their involvement ensures that future leaders from Djibouti can benefit from this network, and we look forward to selecting candidates who will drive impactful change.”

Farah Sayeed, Director of Brands & Marcom, iibGroup highlighted the importance of this collaboration, “Our partnership with the Chevening Scholarship program is a testament to our commitment to investing in the future leaders of Djibouti. By supporting talented individuals in their academic and professional journeys, we empower them to contribute to the broader development of our communities.”

Currently, Chevening is in the process of reviewing applications and will conduct interviews in early April. iib will work closely with Chevening to select the most promising candidates, ensuring they receive the support needed to maximize their potential.

Beyond financial support, iib is committed to mentoring and promoting the selected scholars, integrating them into the institution’s broader initiatives. This partnership is not just about funding education—it is about cultivating a network of leaders who will contribute to Djibouti’s socio-economic growth and global presence.

With this initiative, iib continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for progress, investing in human capital and fostering innovation for a brighter, more sustainable future.

At iib bank, we are convinced that every player, no matter how small, has a major responsibility in protecting the environment.

For this reason and as part of our sustainable development program, we have decided to organize a clean-up event on the Ile De La Tortue on Saturday February 15, 2025, in partnership with organizations that share our values and convictions. We worked with teams from the UNDP, Rotary Club, SOS environnement, CAC and AADD. The day was an opportunity for everyone to realize the importance of preserving the maritime spaces that represent a significant part of Djibouti’s eco-system. This realization created positive energy among all the teams, who actively collected all the garbage around the beach. We had the support of the president of the Boulaos commune in carrying out this mission. The efforts of each and every one of us paid off, as we managed to collect around 400 KG of used plastic, which was sent to the Eco Tech company in charge of plastic recycling. This activity highlights iib’s efforts to make Djibouti a cleaner, greener city.

To all our partners, our deepest thanks for this productive and enriching day. Thanks to everyone’s good will and motivation, we were able to make a real contribution to preserving our environment. Together, let’s continue to have a positive impact on our planet.

Djibouti, January 20, 2025 – iib East Africa has been awarded the Best Bank for Sustainable Finance in Djibouti by Global Finance Magazine as part of its 2025 Sustainable Finance Awards. This prestigious recognition underscores iib East Africa’s unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable finance and fostering economic growth through responsible banking practices.

The Global Finance Sustainable Finance Awards celebrate financial institutions that excel in integrating sustainability into their core operations, financing initiatives that combat climate change, and promoting responsible investment strategies. Winners are selected based on governance policies, sustainability goals, and measurable achievements in environmental and social impact financing.

“This achievement is more than just a title; it is a testament to the role we play in financing progress – supporting businesses, empowering communities, and driving sustainable development,” said Sohail Sultan, CEO. “We have embraced the responsibility of shaping a more resilient and inclusive financial future, and this recognition reaffirms that we are on the right path.”

iib East Africa’s strategic focus on sustainability includes financing renewable energy projects, supporting SMEs with green business models, and championing financial inclusion to drive economic empowerment. This award marks a significant milestone as iib Group’s first Global Finance award, reflecting its regional leadership in sustainable banking.

About Global Finance

Founded in 1987, Global Finance is a trusted source of financial news, analysis, and rankings, serving senior corporate and financial decision-makers in 188 countries. Its awards programs recognize excellence in banking and finance worldwide.

Read the Global Finance Press Release

“This achievement is more than just a title; it is a testament to the role we play in financing progress – supporting businesses, empowering communities, and driving sustainable development.”

Sohail Sultan – CEO

Financial literacy is a universal key to unlocking the doors of success for individuals and entrepreneurs alike. It’s a vital skill that empowers people to make informed financial decisions and shape their economic destinies. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing financial landscape, being financially literate is not just an option; it’s necessary for anyone looking to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. In this article, we will explore the transformative power of financial literacy and how it can take you from debt to wealth on your entrepreneurial path, by addressing the example of the International Investment Bank Cabo Verde (iibCV).

Read the full article

In observance of #WorldFoodDay, iib East Africa, in partnership with Souna Alhaya, took an active role by organizing a food distribution initiative. iib recognizes its responsibility in contributing to the well-being of the communities where it operates and Djibouti is no exception. The population of the country presents a critical need for sustainable support and iib continues to take tangible steps toward poverty alleviation.

This initiative, carried out at the premises of Souna Alhaya, saw iib employees on the ground, personally distributing food packages to 90 families. These curated food packs provided families with essential nutrients, offering relief from the daily struggle of securing food. By delivering this much-needed assistance, iib aimed not just to alleviate hunger but also to reinforce a sense of stability and hope within these communities.

At iib, this is not a one-off gesture, but part of our ongoing commitment to empowering communities in need. Our employees were deeply involved in the effort, embodying iib’s belief in compassion and action, demonstrating that our dedication extends beyond corporate commitments to real human engagement. By stepping into the role of community supporters, our team contributed to strengthening the fabric of society, one family at a time.

Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly #ZeroHunger, this initiative underscores iib’s broader mission of fostering community resilience and well-being. We believe that sustainable development can only be achieved through active participation and collective action. As we continue our journey in Djibouti, we remain dedicated to making a measurable difference in the lives of the underserved, ensuring that they have the resources needed to build a brighter future.

At iib, our CSR activities are a reflection of our deep-rooted values, focusing on the critical issues facing our communities and proactively working to address them. Through our partnerships, we continue to drive positive change, reaffirming our role as a key player in the region’s development story.”

At iib, we believe in taking tangible steps towards a sustainable future, and what better occasion to do so than Earth Day!

In line with the theme for 2024: “Planet vs Plastics,” iib set out to do something unique, inclusive and actionable. On the 28th of April, in partnership with the team at Sounah Al Haya, iib organised an activity that truly represented the values and ideals we hope to foster in society. From refugee students to special needs children, the iib team led dozens of children on a neighbourhood clean-up drive around their schools. To witness children from all walks of life, work cheerfully and collectively to pick up over 30 bags of garbage and litter off their streets was especially heartwarming and inspiring for everyone involved.

This initiative marks yet another step forward in our sustainability goals at iib. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s central to our promise and ethos. We firmly believe that by investing in initiatives like these, and empowering organisations like Sounah Al Haya, whose inclusionary approach reflects our own, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.

To all the students who participated, and to our partners at Sounah Al Haya, we’re so proud of what you accomplished and we celebrate you for playing your part in keeping our community clean and green. Your passion and dedication inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Together, let’s continue to make a positive impact on our planet.

In partnership with Sounah-Alhaya, iib Djibouti embarked on a heartfelt endeavour to extend compassion and support to our community during the holy month of Ramadan. Recognising the challenges faced by many families during this time of celebration, our collaborative efforts were dedicated to easing their burdens and spreading joy throughout our community.

Our initiatives were xecuted with the utmost care and consideration for those in need. Central to our endeavours was the distribution of food bags, meticulously curated to provide essential sustenance to families experiencing hardship. These food bags were thoughtfully designed to encompass a variety of nutritious items, ensuring that recipients could focus on other activities as the basic need of food was provisioned for.

Our outreach efforts extended beyond mere material assistance. We sought to cultivate a sense of warmth and togetherness within our community, fostering an environment where individuals felt supported and valued. Through acts of kindness and solidarity, we aimed to uplift spirits and instil a sense of hope and optimism among those facing adversity.

At iib Djibouti, we firmly believe in the transformative power of collective action and the profound impact it can have on the lives of individuals and families in need. By uniting with our partners and stakeholders, we reaffirm our commitment to serving as a beacon of compassion and support within our community, particularly during moments of celebration and reflection such as Eid-ul-Adha.

As we reflect on the success of our initiatives and the countless lives touched by our efforts, we are inspired to continue our mission of making a positive difference in the world around us.