As the urgency to align finance with climate action grows across Africa, Intercontinental Investment Bank Group East Africa is emerging as a leading example of how banking can serve both economic and environmental goals. In 2025, the Djibouti-based bank received three major international awards for its leadership in sustainability—firmly positioning itself at the forefront of responsible finance on the continent.
The recognitions came from Euromoney, Global Finance, and World Finance—three of the most respected institutions in global banking. Each award acknowledged iib East Africa’s commitment to embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into the core of its operations, while delivering financial services that are inclusive, ethical, and regionally relevant.
In January, Global Finance named iib East Africa the Best Sustainable Bank in its 2025 Sustainable Finance Awards, highlighting the bank’s focus on climate-responsive financing and its integration of ESG risk frameworks into decision-making. In June, World Finance declared iib East Africa the Most Sustainable Bank in Djibouti for its role in supporting the transition to cleaner energy and advancing financial inclusion through sustainability-linked products. Most recently, in July, Euromoney recognized the bank as Djibouti’s Best Bank for ESG in its annual Awards for Excellence, underscoring its growing role in driving sustainable development across one of East Africa’s fastest-evolving trade corridors.
Speaking after the latest award, Papa Demba Diop, CEO of iib East Africa, emphasized that these accolades represent more than institutional success—they reflect a broader commitment to community, climate, and long-term prosperity. He noted that sustainability at iib is not treated as a standalone program but is embedded into every aspect of the bank’s strategy and operations.
Under Diop’s leadership, the bank has taken meaningful steps to transform the finance landscape in the Horn of Africa. It has invested in renewable energy solutions, including the deployment of solar-powered systems in areas dependent on diesel and imported electricity. The bank has also pioneered lending models for climate-resilient, energy-efficient housing, particularly for low-income and underserved communities. Its approach to trade finance is also shifting, with a growing emphasis on supporting small and medium enterprises that prioritize sustainable agriculture, clean transport, and regional food security.
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At a community level, iib East Africa has championed environmental awareness campaigns and direct engagement programs, particularly in coastal regions where climate vulnerability is high. These initiatives reflect a holistic understanding of sustainability—one that extends beyond financial returns to encompass social inclusion, ecological protection, and shared growth.
Sohail Sultan, chairman of the iib Group, said these global recognitions affirm the group’s longstanding belief that sustainable finance is not only a responsible choice, but a strategic one. For iib, ESG is more than a compliance obligation; it is a foundation for long-term market resilience, investor confidence, and institutional relevance.
Headquartered in Djibouti and operating within the wider Intercontinental Investment Bank Group, iib East Africa continues to deepen its role across the Ethiopia–Djibouti trade corridor and other emerging East African markets. Its business model is a reminder that African banks can lead on sustainability—not just by aligning with international frameworks, but by responding directly to the environmental and social priorities of the communities they serve.
As climate change, inequality, and rapid urbanization continue to test Africa’s development models, iib East Africa’s achievements provide an instructive example of how finance can be redirected to serve a more inclusive, low-carbon future.
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