News - iibGroup

Bangkok, 17 October 2026 – iib West Africa has been recognised as Best Bank at the Global Finance Best Bank Awards 2026, held at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, marking another significant milestone in the Bank’s continued growth and development.

The award recognises iib West Africa’s strong financial performance, expanding capabilities and commitment to delivering innovative, client-focused banking solutions. It also reflects the Bank’s progress in strengthening its position as a leading financial institution in Cabo Verde, supported by its growing expertise in corporate and investment banking, private banking and wealth management.

Widely regarded as one of the international banking industry’s leading recognition programmes, the Global Finance Best Bank Awards celebrate institutions demonstrating excellence in financial performance, strategic development, innovation and customer service.

“This recognition is a testament to the strength of our long-term strategy and the progress we continue to make across our markets. At iib, our ambition has always been to build financial institutions that combine international expertise with a deep understanding of the markets they serve. This award reflects the dedication of our people, the confidence of our clients and partners, and our commitment to creating sustainable, long-term value.”

Sohail Sultan, Chairman of iibGroup.

“We are particularly proud to receive this recognition at a time when iib West Africa is making significant strides in expanding its capabilities and strengthening its market position. Our focus remains on anticipating the evolving needs of our clients, developing innovative financial solutions and delivering the highest standards of service. This achievement belongs to our entire team, whose professionalism, expertise and commitment continue to drive our success.”

Joseph Carasso, Chief Executive Officer of iib West Africa.

The awards ceremony was attended by senior representatives of iibGroup and iib West Africa, including Sohail Sultan, Group Chairman; Joseph Carasso, Chief Executive Officer – iib West Africa; Sabiha Sultan, Director – Institutional Investors; and Farah Sayeed, Director – Brands & MarCom.

The latest accolade builds on a series of international recognitions for iib West Africa, including its success at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, underscoring the Bank’s sustained progress and growing international profile.

Looking ahead, iib West Africa remains focused on broadening its financial services offering, particularly across private banking, investment banking and wealth management, while strengthening its role in facilitating investment and financial connectivity between Cabo Verde, Africa and international markets. Through continued innovation, strategic partnerships and a client-centric approach, the Bank is well positioned to support new opportunities for growth and contribute to the region’s economic development.

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.

As part of its ongoing commitment to education and community development, iib East Africa organised a storytelling session on 14 October for primary school students from Suna Al Haya at the Institut Français de Djibouti. The gathering offered children an opportunity to enjoy stories, explore new ideas, and engage in a morning filled with learning and discovery.

During the visit, the students explored the library, listened to engaging stories, and took part in an interactive activity based on the tales shared during the session. These activities provided an enjoyable way for the children to develop their curiosity and engage with reading in a welcoming environment.

The session was led by iib Brand Ambassador Amina Ali, also known as Nina, who served as both storyteller and facilitator. Her involvement encouraged the children to participate, use their imagination, and connect with the stories in an interactive and enjoyable way.

Through community initiatives like this, iib East Africa continues to contribute to children’s educational development by creating opportunities for exploration, creativity, and learning. The bank believes that encouraging children to discover books and develop an interest in reading from an early age can help build a strong foundation for their future.

iib East Africa extends its sincere appreciation to the Institut Français de Djibouti for hosting the session and helping create a welcoming space where children could discover the joy of reading. The collaboration reflects the value of community partnerships in making learning more engaging, accessible, and inspiring for young learners.

Memorandum of Understanding establishes framework for collaboration in social, educational, cultural and financial areas

Lisbon, September 21, 2026 – Intercontinental Investment Bank (iib West Africa), headquartered in Cabo Verde, and Associação Maense em Portugal (AMP) signed, last Friday, September 18^th, a memorandum of understanding in Lisbon establishing a framework for cooperation between the two institutions, with the aim of strengthening the bank’s connection with the Cape Verdean diaspora and promoting initiatives with a positive impact on communities living in Portugal.

The signing ceremony took place at the Centro Cultural de Cabo Verde, bringing together representatives of iib West Africa, Associação Maense em Portugal, members of the Cape Verdean community, partners and several guests.

More than simply establishing an institutional partnership, the memorandum aims to build a bridge between iib West Africa and the diaspora, bringing the bank closer to Cape Verdean communities and creating new opportunities for cooperation in areas of social, educational, cultural and financial relevance.

The areas covered by the agreement include support for social and community initiatives promoted by AMP, including projects such as Mão Solidária, NOS CASA, Kapacita+ and Mostra Bu Sorriso. The cooperation may also extend to financial education and literacy initiatives through workshops, talks, seminars and other capacity-building activities.

The agreement also provides for the possibility of developing solutions that bring iib West Africa’s financial products and services closer to the specific needs of the Cape Verdean diaspora, as well as initiatives focused on skills development, employability and inclusion, and actions promoting Cape Verdean culture and identity.

“The Cape Verdean diaspora represents a key dimension of Cape Verde’s connection with the world. For iib, being close to communities abroad also means gaining a better understanding of their needs and building bridges that enable us to respond to them in a closer and more effective way. This partnership with AMP is a step in that direction, bringing together the capabilities and experience of two institutions with strong ties to the community.”

Aicha Correia, Board Member of iib West Africa.

Carlos Frederico, President of Associação Maense em Portugal, highlighted the importance of the partnership in strengthening initiatives aimed at the Cape Verdean community: “We want to turn the commitments we have made today into concrete initiatives in the areas of education and financial literacy, social integration, capacity building, employability and entrepreneurship. Because the best partnerships are not those that exist merely between institutions, but those that deliver tangible results in people’s lives”.

The signing of the memorandum is part of iib West Africa’s strategy to strengthen its proximity and connection to the Cape Verdean diaspora, recognising its economic, social and cultural importance to the country. The initiative also forms part of the Bank’s Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development policy, seeking to combine its financial activity with initiatives that contribute to the development of communities.

For AMP, the memorandum represents an opportunity to strengthen its capacity to develop and promote initiatives aimed at the Cape Verdean community in Portugal, creating new opportunities for collaboration and for responding to needs identified on the ground.

For more information please contact:

Rita Justo | rjusto@wlpartners.pt | +351 968941696

About iib West Africa:

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

About Associação Maense em Portugal:

The Maense Association in Portugal (AMP) is a nonprofit nongovernmental organization (NGO) published in the *Diário da República* No. 250, Series III, dated October 28, 2013, and registered in the National Registry of Legal Entities under the number (NIPC) 506269272.

Headquartered in Lisbon, but with several chapters scattered throughout the European diaspora, the AMP’s work throughout its existence has been based on the full integration of its members (mostly from the PALOP countries) into the European university communities where they have settled, through the exercise of their civic duties (and rights), promoting various cultural, economic, and social initiatives that benefit those same communities. Cooperation and solidarity are always at the heart of our members’ actions, with the aim of improving the common well-being and strengthening the ties between our members’ host and home communities, thereby fostering an increasingly cohesive social fabric.

The British Ambassador to Cabo Verde, Lisa Bandari, visited iib West Africa’s head office in Praia on Tuesday 15 September, for a special gathering celebrating the partnership between the British Government and iib West Africa through the Chevening Scholarships programme.

The event brought together Chevening alumni, partners, and aspiring scholars to reflect on the transformative role of education in developing future leaders and creating opportunities for young people in Cabo Verde.

Bruno Sanches, the iib Chevening scholar from Cabo Verde in the previous academic year, contributed through a video message, sharing his experience of the programme and reflecting on the knowledge, perspectives, and insights he gained during his time in the United Kingdom. His contribution highlighted the lasting value of the Chevening experience and the role of international education in broadening horizons and supporting personal and professional growth.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for young people interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the United Kingdom to connect with alumni and programme partners, gain first-hand insights, and learn more about the opportunities available through Chevening.

Through its partnership with the British Government, iib West Africa continues to support educational opportunities for young Cabo Verdeans, helping nurture a new generation of leaders equipped to contribute to their communities and drive a more sustainable future for their country.

As part of our Sustainability Program, we organized a school supplies distribution initiative on September 13, 2026, in Balbala, in collaboration with the Jeune Midnimo Biyokeid Association.

This initiative aimed to support children and their families during the back-to-school period, a time when household expenses can significantly increase. A total of 150 children, accompanied by their parents, benefited from the distribution of essential school supplies, helping to ease the financial burden on families and ensuring that children could start the new school year with the necessary materials.

The school supplies distributed included backpacks, pencil cases, pens, and notebooks. Each complete set of supplies was carefully arranged and placed inside the backpacks before being distributed to the beneficiaries.

Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting local communities and contributing to equal access to education.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Jeune Midnimo Biyokeid Association for its continued collaboration, commitment, and valuable support in making this initiative possible. We look forward to continuing to work together on future initiatives that create a positive and lasting impact within our community.

The British Embassy in Djibouti hosted a send-off event on Thursday 27 to celebrate this year’s Chevening Scholars ahead of their departure to the United Kingdom. Ilwade scholars celebrated was Ms. Ilwad Mahdi Abdi, who will be joining the University of Sussex to pursue a Master’s degree in International Law. iib East Africa is proud to sponsor Ms. Ilwad’s Chevening Scholarship, supporting her academic journey and contributing to the development of future talent in Djibouti.

The event was attended by H.E. Vinay Talwar, British Ambassador to Djibouti, and Mr Vianney Bizimana, Acting CEO of iib East Africa, alongside colleagues and guests who gathered to celebrate Ms. Ilwad’s achievement and wish her success as she begins this important new chapter.

iib East Africa’s sponsorship reflects iib’s wider commitment to investing in education, empowering young talent, and supporting the development of future leaders. iib’s involvement with the Chevening Scholarship programme began last year and has since become an integral part of its education mandate, supporting scholars in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Cape Verde.

iib congratulates Ms. Ilwad Mahdi Abdi on this significant achievement and wishes her every success throughout her studies at the University of Sussex and beyond.

London, 16 July 2026 – iibGroup celebrated a remarkable achievement at the global Euromoney Awards for Excellence ceremony, held at The Peninsula London, where the Group received three major awards across two African markets, reinforcing its growing influence in the continent’s financial sector.

The evening saw iib West Africa claim two distinguished titles, Cape Verde’s Best Bank and Cape Verde’s Best Investment Bank, while iib East Africa was named Djibouti’s Best Investment Bank. For more than 30 years, the Euromoney Awards for Excellence have recognised financial institutions that set the global standard in performance, innovation and client impact.

These awards demonstrate iibGroup’s ability to deliver excellence across diverse markets. In Cape Verde, iib West Africa’s dual recognition reflects its strength across retail, corporate and investment banking, supported by landmark initiatives such as the country’s first Blue Bond.

In Djibouti, iib East Africa, was recognised for its leadership in investment banking, with particular strengths in structured trade finance and cross-border advisory services, reinforcing its position as a trusted financial partner in the region.

“These three Euromoney awards are a significant endorsement of our approach across two important markets. They reflect the consistency of our strategy, the capability of our teams, and the confidence that our clients continue to place in us. Recognition at this level reinforces our belief that excellence, integrity, and a long-term focus remain the foundations of sustainable success.”

Sohail Sultan, Group Chairman.

The London ceremony was attended by iibGroup representatives including Sohail Sultan, Chairman – iibGroup,Joseph Carasso, CEO – iib West Africa, Mateen Beg, CFO – iibGroup, Sabiha Sultan Director – Institutional Investors and Farah Sayeed, Director – Brands & MarCom.

The latest wins build on iibGroup’s momentum in 2026, following earlier recognition at the Euromoney Private Banking Awards. The Group remains focused on expanding its private banking, investment banking, and wealth management capabilities across Africa and beyond, combining global standards with deep local expertise.

About iib West Africa (Cape Verde)

About iib East Africa (Djibouti)

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.

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.

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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!