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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!
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.
Praia, 11 May 2026 – iib West Africa has been honoured with the Exchange Operator Award 2025 – Primary Market (Corporate and Municipal) by the Bolsa de Valores de Cabo Verde (BVC), as part of the ceremony commemorating the 28th anniversary of BVC.
The award was presented during the Bolsa Awards ceremony held on May 11 at Hotel Pérola, Praia, Cape Verde, bringing together key representatives from the financial and capital markets ecosystem.
This recognition highlights iib West Africa’s active role in supporting the development of Cape Verde’s capital markets through innovative and impact-driven financial instruments. The bank’s work across Green Bonds, Blue Bonds, and Social Bonds was also showcased during the ceremony through a video presentation highlighting their contribution to social development, healthcare, and the Blue Economy.
Mr. Joseph Carasso, CEO of iib West Africa, received the award from Márcia Solange Tavares Teixeira Marçal, Executive Director of BVC and Executive Member of the Board.
Commenting on the recognition, Joseph Carasso, CEO of iib West Africa, said:
“This award is a meaningful recognition of iib West Africa’s continued commitment to developing sustainable and innovative financial solutions in Cape Verde. Through instruments such as Green, Blue, and Social Bonds, we are working to support capital market growth while directing investment toward projects that deliver real economic, social, and environmental impact.”
The award further reinforces iib West Africa’s positioning as a leading contributor to Cape Verde’s financial market development, supporting initiatives that connect investment capital with national priorities across sustainability, infrastructure, community development, and inclusive growth.
Through its continued engagement with BVC and key market stakeholders, iib West Africa remains committed to strengthening the role of capital markets in advancing long-term development across Cape Verde.
About iib West Africa (Cape Verde)
iib West Africa is a licensed banking institution based in Cape Verde, serving corporate and institutional clients across the region. The bank is committed to advancing financial inclusion, innovation, and private sector development in the region.
About iib Group Holdings W.L.L. (Bahrain)
iibGroup is a diversified international investment and banking group with a presence across East Africa, the Middle East, West Africa, and the Caribbean. The Group delivers banking, investment, and advisory solutions, focusing on high-impact sectors like trade, digital infrastructure, and financial inclusion. Through its regional platforms, iibGroup supports SMEs, empowers women- and youth-led enterprises, and invests in industries that promote regional integration and sustainable growth 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.

Pictured: Dr. Olavo Correia, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Cabo Verde; Mr. Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member, Head Financial Services, Africa Finance Corporation; Mr. Sohail Sultan, CEO of iibGroup, and colleagues.
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.

Pictured: Dr. Olavo Correia, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Cabo Verde; Mr. Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member, Head Financial Services, Africa Finance Corporation; Mr. Sohail Sultan, CEO of iibGroup, and colleagues.
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.
Praia, April 9th 2026 — Intercontinental Investment Bank West Africa will officially inaugurate its new Banking Office in Santa Maria, on the island of Sal, this Friday, April 10.
This new opening marks another important step in the bank’s expansion strategy in Cabo Verde, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening proximity with customers, partners, and investors—particularly in one of the country’s most dynamic economic and tourism hubs.
The Banking Office has been designed to offer personalized and client-focused experience, combining comfort, accessibility, and professionalism. The space aims to provide tailored information and dedicated support regarding the bank’s financial solutions, with a special emphasis on savings and investment opportunities. Through this initiative, iib WA seeks to ensure close and responsive service aligned with the specific needs of each client.
“Sal Island is a strategically important location for iiib West Africa, being one of Cape Verde’s main hubs for economic and tourist activity. It offers significant potential for investment and business development for our operations and for ensuring greater proximity and convenience for our customers” , reinforces Joseph Carasso, CEO of iib West Africa.
This new Banking office reinforces iib West Africa’s ongoing commitment to Cabo Verde, its clients, and the sustainable economic development of the islands, based on a strong, relevant, and locally engaged presence in the national market.
About iib West Africa:
iib West Africa is a commercial bank with a strong international focus, part of the iibGroup, and has been operating in Cape Verde since 2018.
iibCV currently employs around 50 people and has a dynamic sustainability and social responsibility programme, being the only bank in Cape Verde to be a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact.
Cape Verde / Djibouti / London, 19 March 2026 – iib has secured two prestigious wins at the Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2026, with iib West Africa named Cape Verde’s Best for Premier Banking and iib East Africa awarded Djibouti’s Best Private Bank. The awards were formally presented at a ceremony hosted at The Peninsula London Hotel on March 19, 2026, celebrating leading institutions in global private banking and wealth management.
The Euromoney Private Banking Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence in the financial industry, recognizing institutions that demonstrate superior performance in client service, innovation, discretionary portfolio management, and the ability to meet the evolving needs of high-net-worth clients.
These dual recognitions highlight iibGroup’s growing strength across multiple markets, underpinned by a client-centric approach and a commitment to delivering tailored financial solutions. In Cape Verde, iib West Africa has continued to strengthen its premier banking proposition through personalized advisory services and innovative product offerings. In Djibouti, iib East Africa has reinforced its leadership in private banking by delivering bespoke wealth management solutions and enhancing client experience through both relationship-driven service and digital innovation.
Commenting on the achievement, Sohail Sultan, Group Chairman, said:
“We are honored to receive these recognitions from Euromoney across two key markets. These awards reflect the strength of our strategy and our unwavering focus on delivering personalized, high-quality banking experiences. These awards are a testament to the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our teams across regions to continuously raise the standard of private banking.”
The awards ceremony in London was attended by senior representatives from iibGroup, including Sohail Sultan, Chairman iibGroup) and Joseph Carasso, CEO iib West Africa, marking a significant milestone for the Group’s international presence and continued growth in private banking.
iibGroup remains committed to expanding its footprint and enhancing its private banking and wealth management capabilities, combining global best practices with deep local market expertise to serve clients across its operating regions.
About Euromoney
Euromoney is a globally recognized authority in financial publishing, providing analysis and rankings across the international banking sector. Its Private Banking Awards celebrate institutions that demonstrate excellence in wealth management and set the benchmark for client service and innovation worldwide.
Praia, 16 March 2026 – iib West Africa has been named Best Bank in Cape Verde 2026 by Global Finance Magazine as part of its 33rd annual World’s Best Bank Awards.
The recognition highlights iib West Africa’s continued progress in building a scalable and resilient banking platform in Cape Verde, supported by strong balance sheet growth, rising customer confidence, and an expanding corporate and retail banking proposition.
Global Finance’s World’s Best Bank Awards recognise financial institutions that demonstrate strong performance across areas including asset growth, profitability, strategic relationships, customer service, product innovation, and market development. Winners are selected through a comprehensive process involving input from industry analysts, corporate executives, and banking consultants.
This year’s winners were recognised for carefully responding to customer needs in challenging markets, achieving strong results, and laying the foundations for future success. Global Finance also noted that leading banks continue to manage uncertainty while investing in digital innovation and client-focused solutions.
“Being named Best Bank in Cape Verde is a meaningful recognition of the progress we have made in strengthening our platform and deepening customer trust. Our focus remains on delivering resilient, innovative, and responsible banking solutions that support clients, businesses, and the wider development of Cape Verde.”
Joseph Carasso, CEO of iib West Africa
iib West Africa continues to support private sector development through corporate banking, investment solutions, sustainable finance initiatives, and tailored services for clients across Cape Verde and the wider region. The award reinforces the bank’s growing position as a trusted financial institution committed to innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainable economic growth.
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 programmes recognise excellence in banking and finance worldwide.
















