Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 2024 – The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ZTE Corporation, a Chinese partially state owned technology company that specializes in telecommunication, on 29 April during the IsDB Group Annual Meeting 2024, held at the InterContinental Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Oussama Kaissi, CEO of ICIEC, and Mr. Kevin
Xiao, Director at ZTE Corporation. The MoU focuses on leveraging ICIEC’s insurance solutions to facilitate ZTE’s supply of telecom network equipment and training to major telecom operators within ICIEC member states. ICIEC has a proven track record of facilitating critical telecom equipment supply through its specific transaction insurance solutions, as demonstrated by its successful collaboration with operators
like Uzbektelecom in Uzbekistan.

Mr. Oussama Kaissi, CEO of ICIEC, commented at the signing of the MoU: “We are confident that this MoU will further enhance our ability to provide cutting-edge telecom infrastructure and connectivity to our member states.

We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our partnership with ZTE, a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions. Through this MoU, we aim to further
our joint efforts in bolstering the telecommunications infrastructure within ICIEC member states. Our collaboration will leverage ICIEC’s insurance solutions and ZTE’s expertise in the supply of telecom network equipment and knowledge transfer, to provide our member states with access to cutting-edge technological solutions that meet their evolving needs.

The International Credit Insurance & Surety Association (ICISA) and the forum assembling Commercial and Non-commercial Risks Insurers and Reinsurers in Member Countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and of the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation “Dhaman”, commonly known as AMAN UNION, are proud to announce a Joint Strategic Collaboration aimed at fostering mutual cooperation and knowledge sharing in the realm of trade and investment insurance.

The MoU, symbolizing a pivotal step towards industry synergy and international cooperation, was officially signed by Mr. Richard Wulff, Executive Director of ICISA, and Mr. Oussama Kaissi, the Secretary-General of Aman Union and CEO of ICIEC. This partnership heralds a new era of collaborative endeavours aimed at fortifying trade and investment insurance frameworks globally.

ICISA, as a leading trade association representing trade credit insurance and surety companies internationally, serves as a platform for collaboration and the development of best practices. Meanwhile, AMAN UNION is dedicated to promoting and developing the commercial and non-commercial risks insurance industry in OIC-Member States, as well as strengthening mutual relationships among its members.

The collaboration between ICISA and AMAN UNION underscores a shared commitment to advancing the trade and investment insurance landscape, particularly within OIC Member States. By sharing their respective expertise and networks, the parties aim to facilitate enhanced knowledge exchanges and initiatives that contribute to the sustainable development of OIC Member States.

Key highlights of the Joint Strategic Collaboration include:

• Facilitating knowledge exchanges on trade and investment insurance initiatives
• Enhancing collaboration and development of best practices in the industry
• Strengthening mutual relationships among members of both associations

Mr. Richard Wulff, Executive Director of ICISA, commenting: "This momentous collaboration between ICISA and AMAN UNION represents a landmark in our shared commitment to strengthening the trade and investment insurance landscape. Through this strategic alliance, we are assured to unlock unprecedented opportunities and drive innovation within our respective spheres. The signing of this MoU signifies a transformative leap towards harmonizing our efforts and maximizing the potential for sustainable growth and prosperity on a global scale."

Mr. Oussama Kaissi, the Secretary-General of Aman Union and CEO of ICIEC, added: "This partnership signifies our collective dedication to enhancing the capabilities and opportunities within the trade and investment insurance sector. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can drive positive change and sustainable growth for our member countries."

Both ICISA and AMAN UNION recognize the significant potential for cooperation to drive positive outcomes in the trade and investment insurance sector. Through this collaboration, the parties reaffirm their dedication to fostering innovation, resilience, and sustainable development within OIC Member States and beyond.

Jeddah, March 24, 2024 – The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a multilateral credit and political risk insurer and a member of the IsDB Group has achieved a significant milestone by attaining an "AA-" long-term issuer credit and financial strength rating from Standard & Poor's (S&P), with a stable outlook and the highest within its peer group globally.

The rating report considers ICIEC’s Enterprise Risk Profile (ERP) as ‘strong’ under S&P’s Multilateral Lending Institutions (MLI) criteria, underpinned by the Corporation’s supportive shareholder base, strong Preferred Creditor Treatment (PCT), and unique policy role of conducting all business in Shariah-compliant manner.

Moreover, S&P assesses ICIEC’s Financial Risk Profile (FRP) as ‘very strong’ under its insurance criteria, as ICIEC’s capital adequacy shows a significant buffer above the 99.99% confidence, as measured by its insurers’ new risk-based capital model, Additionally, the Corporation maintains exceptional liquidity, further affirming its upscaled financial strength.

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Member States, the esteemed Members of the ICIEC Board of Directors, and dedicated Staff for their unwavering commitment and consistent success." said Mr. Oussama Kaissi, CEO of ICIEC. "In alignment with IsDB Group initiatives, we reaffirm our steadfast dedication to prioritizing the Group’s strategic objectives to support member states by contributing to the development of Islamic finance and key initiatives such as green financing, ESG engagement, and fostering food security." added Mr. Kaissi

The "AA-" rating from S&P reflects ICIEC's solid financial position, sound risk management and governance practices. It also underscores the Corporation's ability to navigate challenging economic environments and its commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth and development in member countries.

The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the Shariah-compliant multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, is co-organising the IsDB Group Private Sector Forum as a side event at the 49^th Annual Meetings of the Board of Governors of the IsDB on 27-30 April 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

The theme of the High Level Panel Discussion (HLPD), which will be held from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm on 29th April at the InterContinintal in Riyadh, is "Gateway to Growth: Saudi Investments as a Catalyst for Development in ICIEC Member States”.

The HLPD will highlight the significant role of Saudi investments in driving economic development across ICIEC Member States, aligning with the national development agendas of these countries. It will also focus on fostering collaboration between Saudi investment bodies and ICIEC Member Countries, addressing emerging geopolitical risks, and exploring new markets and sectors for Saudi investors within ICIEC Member States.

The event will feature high level keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, bringing together key stakeholders including ministries and government officials, Saudi investors, international and regional organizations, multilateral and financial institutions, private equities, venture capitalists, and technology companies.

To secure your participation at these prestigious events, please register now via the link below: https://isdbg-psf.org/

Mr. Oussama Kaissi, CEO of ICIEC, stating, "This HLPD underscores the paramount importance of forging strategic partnerships to propel sustainable development within ICIEC Member Countries. We eagerly anticipate engaging in insightful discussions and fostering collaborations that will not only drive economic growth but also pave the way for prosperity in the region."

Jeddah, January 31, 2024 – The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a multilateral credit and political risk insurer and a member of the IsDB Group and the African Development Bank, have signed a strategic risk sharing engagement aimed at fostering sustainable development in Côte d’Ivoire.

In this landmark collaboration, ICIEC has provided an insurance capacity of EUR 194 million, backstopping the EUR 400 million Partial Credit Guarantee (PCG) issued by the African Development Bank against the non-payment risk associated with a facility of EUR 533 million extended by Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), to the government of Côte d’Ivoire.

The facility will be used to finance a range of eligible environmental and social projects, including renewable energy, education, pollution prevention and control, terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity conservation, health infrastructure, as well as sustainable use of water and wastewater management, in accordance with Côte d’Ivoire’s Sustainable Framework.

African Development Bank’s partnership with ICIEC is pivotal to scaling up the Bank’s partial credit guarantee scheme to attract the needed financing by Standard Chartered. The Bank will retain a stake of EUR 206 million (51.5%) in the EUR 400 million PCG, while ICIEC will cover the remaining EUR 194 million. This arrangement not only optimizes the African Development Bank’s balance sheet by transferring a portion of the exposure to ICIEC, but also maintains a significant residual exposure, demonstrating a balanced risk-sharing approach.

The transaction marks a significant step by Côte d’Ivoire in enhancing its capacity to attract long-term, competitive financing dedicated to ESG projects. It is also a clear demonstration of the collaborative efforts of multilateral development institutions in supporting the sustainable development aspirations of their common member countries.

Oussama Kaissi, CEO of ICIEC, said: “We are proud to partner with the AfDB in this transformative initiative, which aligns with our mission to bolster sustainable and inclusive development in member states. By providing this insurance cover, we are not only supporting the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in realizing its ambitious National Development Plan but also assisting in improving the country’s funding terms under challenging market conditions. This is a testament to our commitment to fostering economic resilience and progress in emerging markets. This is the first risk participation arrangement between both institutions, which lays the ground for more cooperation in common member states. Cooperation between Africa-focused risk mitigation providers to de-risk investments and mobilize financing for common member states in Africa is in line with the objectives of the Africa Co-Guarantee Platform, in which both ICIEC and the AfDB are founding participants.”

African Development Bank Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer Hassatou N’Sele expressed her pride in the innovative solutions the Bank is providing. She described this as another strong example of collaboration with peer institutions to scale up lending in line with the G20 recommendations on capital adequacy.

“We are delighted with the closing of this risk participation with ICIEC, a member of the Africa Co-Guarantee Platform housed at the African Development Bank, which brings together Africa’s risk mitigation providers to better collaborate for the benefit of our respective member countries.” She added, “This loan facilitated by the AfDB and ICIEC will help Cote d’Ivoire make further significant progress towards contributing to the SDGs and improving the quality of life of the Ivorian people given the myriad of global and regional challenges Africa is currently facing.”

Dubai, UAE, December 02, 2023: The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and its multilateral credit and political risk insurer “The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), signed a Collaborative Partnership Agreements with The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on December 2nd, 2023, on the sidelines of COP28’s celebrations. These significant agreements solidify IsDB and ICIEC's commitment to advancing the global energy transition and supporting sustainable development goals.

The partnership entails IsDB and ICIEC's membership in the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing Platform (ETAF), a multi-stakeholder climate finance solution managed by IRENA. ETAF aims to drive the global energy transition across IRENA's diverse membership, facilitating the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions aligned with the Paris Agreement objectives and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Through membership in ETAF, the IsDB looks forward to proactively contributing to the deployment of renewable energy solutions throughout its 57 member countries that span four continents within the USD 1 billion ETAF capital mobilization target by 2030. Furthermore, the IsDB Group is joining ETAF at two ends – financing and de-risking.

In his remarks during the signing ceremony, H.E Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the IsDB Group, said: “The Bank’s membership and its pledge of USD 250 million for ETAF, as well as ICIEC’ membership, which is the credit and political risk insurance arm of the IsDB Group, reflect the Group’s resolve to accelerate climate finance and provide much needed de-risking, which is key to attracting private capital to this domain in the economic South.”

ICIEC will contribute its credit and political risk insurance solutions to support the (co-)financing of renewable energy projects recommended by ETAF for the benefit of common member countries. The collaboration capitalizes on ICIEC's expertise in credit and political risk insurance and its synergies with the broader reinsurance market.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the collaboration, Mr. Oussama Kaissi, CEO of ICIEC, stated, "This partnership with IRENA through the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing Platform marks a significant step towards realizing our commitment to fostering sustainable development in our member states. By leveraging our experience in credit and political risk insurance, we aim to support and accelerate the financing of renewable energy projects crucial for achieving global climate and development goals."

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said, "To achieve climate and development targets, we must acknowledge that financing approaches vary by region, each with unique needs and criteria. By partnering with ETAF, IsDB and ICIEC are playing an important role in enhancing the platform's inclusivity, expanding its available tools and resources, and enabling more effective project support to be tailored to the distinct needs of more developing countries."

IsDB and ICIEC's collaboration with IRENA reflects a shared commitment to addressing climate challenges, promoting sustainable energy practices, and contributing to the broader global agenda. The partnership is poised to unlock financial support for renewable energy initiatives across the IsDB member states.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, December 10, 2023 , Moody's Investor Services (Moody’s) affirmed ICIEC’s Aa3 Insurance Financial Strength Rating (IFSR) with a stable outlook for the 16^th consecutive year. The affirmation of the rating reflects the strong fundamentals- ICIEC’s financial position, risk governance and continued support from its parent - the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and multiple sovereign members of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Moody’s highlighted the continuation of strengthening of the standalone credit quality of ICIEC over the recent past years as evidenced by the improved profitability, strong core market positions, diversified operation, very liquid invested portfolio and sufficient capital level.

ICIEC’s profitability remained resilient in 2022, with a combined ratio of 37.3% and net income of Islamic Dinar 8.2 million, benefitting from enhanced business-coverage, reduced risk and business/client concentrations, efficiency gains and substantial investment income.

Moody’s has assigned ICIEC’s ESG Credit Impact Score as neutral-to-low (CIS-2), for the second time, reflecting a limited impact from environmental and social factors on the rating. The Corporation's strong governance and predominant focus on credit and political risk insurance with its diversified portfolio help mitigate its exposure to ESG risks.

H.E. Oussama KAISSI, CEO of ICIEC, extends heartfelt congratulations to the Member Countries, esteemed ICIEC Board Members, and dedicated Staff for their unwavering commitment and consistent success. In alignment with IsDB Group initiatives, he reaffirms the management's steadfast dedication to prioritizing strategic objectives to support member countries by contributing to the development of Islamic finance and top initiatives such as green financing, ESG engagement, and fostering food security.

The CEO expresses gratitude and assures stakeholders that ICIEC is well-positioned to navigate the escalating instability in the international geopolitical arena, pledging to uphold financial stability and solvency throughout these challenges.

Dubai, December 04, 2023 – In a landmark event during COP 28, The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a multilateral credit and political risk insurer and a member of the IsDB Group and GE Energy Financial Services, Inc (GE Vernova) formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aimed to bolster sustainable development and climate action across ICIEC's 49 member states.

The MOU, signed by Mr. Oussama Kaissi, CEO of ICIEC, and Mr. Nomi Ahmad, President & CEO of GE Energy Financial Services, Inc, establishes a cooperative framework to leverage ICIEC's suite of insurance and credit enhancement solutions, alongside GE Vernova's expertise in energy sectors with focus on renewable energy. It is envisaged that this collaboration will accelerate the deployment of capital, goods, and services necessary for sustainable energy projects in ICIEC member states.

In a statement highlighting the developmental potential of this cooperation, Mr. Oussama Kaissi, CEO of ICIEC, emphasized, "Our collaboration with GE Vernova is a significant stride towards fulfilling our mandate of promoting sustainable development and climate action. By combining our strengths, we are uniquely positioned to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and support our member states in meeting their commitments under the Paris Agreement. This partnership reflects our dedication to fostering economic growth while adhering to the principles of Shariah and upholding the highest environmental and social standards."

ICIEC and GE Vernova share a mutual aspiration of empowering economies and enhancing the quality of life through sustainable energy solutions.

Dubai, UAE, December 02, 2023: The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a multilateral credit and political risk insurer and a member of the IsDB Group, proudly announces the unveiling of its Climate Change Policy and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework during COP28. The momentous launch was graced by H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, the President of the Islamic Development Bank and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ICIEC, H.E. Francesco La Camera, the Director-General of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and Mr. Oussama Kaissi, the CEO of ICIEC.

The ICIEC Climate Change Policy reinforces our unwavering commitment to combatting climate change and serves as a blueprint for ICIEC’s to increase ICIEC’s intervention in sustainable projects and programs. Anchored on this policy, ICIEC pledges to upscale its support to initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, safeguarding nature, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

To advance the role of climate action, ICIEC commits to assisting Member States in meeting their obligations under the Paris Agreement and champion investment and trade opportunities that enhance resilience and increase adaptability to climate change.

The ICIEC ESG Framework is a holistic tool showcasing our strong dedication to ESG principles. The framework emphasizes embedding ESG principles to ICIEC's operations, developing ESG-centric products and services, incorporating ESG imperatives into risk assessment and underwriting. Measures are implemented to promote sustainability throughout internal processes, including sourcing and resource usage practices.

In a statement, Mr. Oussama Kaissi, CEO of ICIEC, affirmed, "The launch of our Climate Change Policy & ESG Framework reflects ICIEC's commitment to sustainability. We aim to drive positive change, contribute to global climate objectives, and set new benchmarks for ESG excellence in insurance and development."

This significant initiative reaffirms ICIEC's policy thrust in promoting sustainable development and resilience in the face of climate challenges.

Dubai, UAE, 2 December 2023- The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a multilateral credit and political risk insurer and a member of the IsDB Group, and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), forged a transformative partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during COP 28. The MoU was signed by ICIEC CEO Oussama Kaissi and Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director General of GGGI.

The collaborative efforts between ICIEC and GGGI are poised to make a significant impact on sustainable economic development. The partnership encompasses linking ICIEC's credit and political risk insurance tools to funds, transactions, and projects in common Member and Partner States. A key focus is on scaling up climate-resilient agriculture and catalyzing the transformation of food systems in Africa and the Middle East, through the Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative. Additionally, the two entities will jointly engage Member States to support their Nationally Determined Contributions, utilizing ICIEC's de-risking capabilities alongside multilateral and private sector financing. The collaboration extends further to providing thought leadership and support for the development of scalable risk mitigation structures, solidifying the commitment to fostering a greener and more resilient future. Furthermore, the partnership will include capacity building, knowledge product development, and the exchange of technical expertise in Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment.

Oussama Kaissi, CEO of ICIEC, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, "This strategic partnership with GGGI underscores our unwavering commitment to sustainable economic development. By connecting ICIEC's insurance solutions to projects in Member States, we aspire to bring about a tangible impact, with a specific focus on the expansion of climate-resilient agriculture and the transformation of food systems in Africa and the Middle East. Our de-risking capabilities, in conjunction with active engagement in achieving climate goals and the creation of scalable risk mitigation structures, demonstrate our steadfast dedication to nurturing a greener and more resilient future. Going beyond financial instruments, our comprehensive approach encompasses capacity building, knowledge development, and the exchange of technical expertise in Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment."

Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director General of GGGI, highlighted the collective impact of the collaboration. "There is a real opportunity to bring transformative change to the food systems in both the Africa and the Middle East regions," Dr. Rijsberman said. "De-risking and private sector financing will be key to realizing the potential and benefiting millions of people whose lives and livelihoods are under threat due to the climate crisis. Through this collaboration, we aim to develop scalable risk mitigation structures for a greener, more climate-resilient future," Dr. Rijsberman added.

ICIEC and GGGI play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable economic development, addressing climate challenges, and achieving global environmental goals.