N’Djamena, Chad, 26 January 2026 – The Islamic Development Bank Group hosted IsDB Day in Chad on Monday, deepening cooperation with the Central African nation.

The event follows the successful launch of “Chad Connection 2030” in Abu Dhabi a few months ago, which signaled IsDB's commitment to support development projects aligned with Chad's National Development Plan.

Chad's Prime Minister Allamaye Halina attended the January 26 event in N'Djamena, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation.

Dr. Issa Faye led the IsDB Group delegation, representing IsDB President Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser. Cabinet ministers, senior officials and representatives from regional financial institutions and private companies also participated.

The event aimed to deepen cooperation and align IsDB Group support with Chad's National Development Plan.

H.E. Allamaye Halina, Prime Minister of the Republic of Chad, stated: "Chad is entering a phase where translating vision into concrete projects is essential. The Islamic Development Bank Group is a trusted partner in this effort, particularly in strengthening financial implementation, capacity building and mobilising investment that deliver tangible impact for our population."

H.E. Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Minister of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation of the Republic of Chad, stressed the following: “Our priority is to boot trade through coherence between public policy, effective financing mechanisms and private sector mobilisation. The IsDB plays a key role in supporting this approach, notably through project structuring, risk mitigation instruments and blended financing solutions”.

Dr. Issa Faye, IsDB Director General for Global Practices and Partnerships, and Group Head of Delegation, stated: “The IsDB Group’s commitment to Chad is focused on delivering integrated solutions that combine financing and technical assistance. During the country engagement dialogue, IsDB team, in conjunction with relevant authorities will explore all available solutions from both public and private sector sources  to ensure that the co-created  development solutions are holistic. Through closer coordination with national authorities and local stakeholders, we aim to accelerate project delivery, building resilience and support high-impact initiatives aligned with  Chad Connection 2030. particularly in agriculture, technology and infrastructure.”

One of the main features of the program was a panel discussion on Chad’s development priorities and the role of IsDB Group, aimed at formulating practical avenues of cooperation and forging strategic partnerships to support Chad’s path towards sustainable and inclusive development.

A series of bilateral (B2B and B2G) meetings were held amongst representatives of the IsDB Group, business leaders, investors, and financial institutions to explore opportunities for cooperation and partnerships with the Islamic Development Bank Group. Inspiring success stories implemented in Chad in partnership with local entrepreneurs as well as local and international institutions were presented

The event also highlighted the activities, services, and initiatives of IsDB Group institutions, including the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), and the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH).

The day concluded with a reaffirmation of the Islamic Development Bank Group's commitment to continue working with the Chadian government and the country’s private sector to further build strategic partnerships, expand investment opportunities, and enhance the business environment, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in Chad.

Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a Shariah-compliant multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has approved EUR 135 million in Non-Honoring of Sovereign Financial Obligations (NHSFO) insurance in support of the Kars-Iğdır-Aralık-Dilucu (KIAD) High Standard Railway Project in the Republic of Türkiye. MUFG Securities EMEA plc arranged the overall transaction, within which a Murabaha financing facility, supported by ICIEC has been structured for the project.

The KIAD Railway is a flagship infrastructure project under Türkiye’s 12th Development Plan (2024–2028), spanning 223.9 km from Kars to Dilucu at the Turkish-Azerbaijani border and linking directly to the Kars–Tbilisi–Baku corridor. With five stations serving key districts in the Kars and Iğdır provinces, the line will become a vital segment of the Silk Road Economic Belt, strengthening the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor as a competitive Asia–Europe freight route.

The Project is set to generate strong economic and environmental impact by shifting freight from road to electrified rail, cutting logistics costs by an estimated 40% by 2030, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and supporting regional industries. It will employ around 3,000 workers at peak construction and stimulate broader economic activity. Its fully electrified, double-track design will also contribute significantly to Türkiye’s climate goals, reducing 498,276 tons of CO₂e annually and achieving 95% energy efficiency—placing KIAD among the region’s greenest transport initiatives.

Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC, stated, “This strategic investment reflects ICIEC’s continued commitment to supporting sustainable, high-impact infrastructure in Türkiye and across our member states. The KIAD Railway strengthens regional connectivity, advances cleaner and more efficient transport solutions, and promotes trade integration between Asia and Europe. Our participation ensures confidence for financiers and helps accelerate completion of this transformative project.”

The Project reinforces ICIEC’s mandate to promote inclusive development and integration among member countries. By enhancing freight mobility, supporting economic diversification, and contributing to Türkiye’s 2053 Net Zero vision, ICIEC’s support advances three key UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Jeddah — The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a Shariah-compliant multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, is pleased to announce its support for a landmark EUR 132.5 million financing arranged by Standard Chartered for Joint-Stock Company “O'zbekiston Metallurgiya Kombinat” (Uzmetkombinat), the largest steel producer in Uzbekistan.

The financing, backed by ICIEC’s sovereign cover, will enable the completion of Uzmetkombinat’s new Casting and Rolling Complex in Bekabad, Southern Uzbekistan. Once completed, the facility will produce hot-rolled coils (HRCs)—a critical product previously imported—thereby boosting the country’s self-sufficiency in steel production and enhancing competitiveness in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

The introduction of domestically produced HRCs marks a new milestone for Uzbekistan, ensuring greater supply chain efficiency and reduced costs for local industries such as pipe manufacturing and construction. The investment will also have a significant social and economic impact in Bekabad, a city of 100,000 people where Uzmetkombinat already employs more than 8,000 workers and sustains thousands of indirect jobs.

This project represents the second significant transaction between ICIEC and Standard Chartered in Uzbekistan during 2025. Previously, ICIEC supported a EUR 160.4 million Islamic financing facility for Joint-Stock Commercial Bank “Agrobank,” enhancing access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country.

Commenting on the transaction, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC, stated: “This landmark transaction exemplifies ICIEC’s mandate to de-risk trade and investment and to catalyze sustainable economic growth across our Member States. By supporting Uzbekistan’s largest steel producer, we are not only fostering the development of critical industrial capacity but also contributing to enhanced self-reliance, job creation, and long-term economic resilience. We are proud to deepen our collaboration with Standard Chartered through this second major transaction in Uzbekistan, which underscores the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to advancing impactful development projects.”

Desislava Radeva, Executive Director, Development and Agency Finance, Standard Chartered, says: “We are proud to partner once again with ICIEC to support a valuable client, Uzmetkombinat. Steel production represents a key strategic industry for Uzbekistan and the domestic sourcing of HRCs is a huge leap forward for the country. It is an example of Standard Chartered’s expertise in driving prosperity in some of the world’s most dynamic markets.”

Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, is pleased to announce the accession of the Republic of Sierra Leone as its 51st Member Country.

This milestone marks ICIEC’s expanding presence in Sub-Saharan Africa and underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening its trade and investment partnerships through multilateral cooperation. As a Member, Sierra Leone will gain access to ICIEC’s Shariah-compliant insurance and reinsurance solutions designed to facilitate exports, attract foreign direct investment, and mitigate political and commercial risks.

Welcoming Sierra Leone’s membership, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, stated: “We are delighted to welcome the Republic of Sierra Leone into the ICIEC membership. This accession reflects both the growing recognition of ICIEC’s developmental mandate and Sierra Leone’s vision to build a more resilient and diversified economy. We look forward to supporting the country in mobilizing investments, enhancing export competitiveness, and creating new opportunities for its public and private sectors.”

With Sierra Leone’s membership, ICIEC now counts 51 Member Countries reinforcing its role as a leading multilateral provider of Shariah-compliant insurance and risk-mitigation solutions in support of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) economies.

In the bustling heart of Casablanca, from November 24 to 26, 2025, ICIEC proudly hosted the 4th Capacity-Building Programme for the Users of the OIC Business Intelligence Center (OBIC). This pivotal event was more than just a training session; it was a convergence of minds, a sharing of expertise, and a collective stride towards strengthening credit information systems across the region.

As ICIEC’s flagship initiative, OBIC serves as a vital platform supporting Member States in modernising their credit-reporting ecosystems, strengthening business intelligence infrastructure and enabling informed trade and investment decisions that reduce risk and promote sustainable development.

The Programme, a testament to collaborative spirit, was generously sponsored by ICIEC alongside esteemed partners: the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT). Together, these institutions laid the groundwork for a transformative experience, bringing together 40 dedicated participants from 15 diverse countries across Africa and the OIC region. These delegates, representing export credit agencies, financial institutions, SMEs, investment promotion agencies, and public-sector economic bodies, embarked on a journey to enhance their understanding and application of modern credit ecosystems.

At its core, OBIC stands as ICIEC’s flagship initiative, a beacon guiding Member States towards robust credit-reporting infrastructures. The Casablanca Programme meticulously focused on the nuances of credit intelligence, the architecture of structured data ecosystems, and the power of evidence-based decision-making. This alignment with ICIEC’s mandate to foster secure trade and investment flows underscored a shared vision: to empower institutions with the tools necessary to navigate economic landscapes, mitigate risks, and unlock sustainable growth.

Over three dynamic days, the Programme featured a rich blend of discussions, presentations, and practical case studies designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of modern credit ecosystems and information-sharing mechanisms.

Day 1 focused on setting the stage for modern credit ecosystems. The Programme opened with inspiring remarks from partner institutions, highlighting the critical importance of information sharing in strengthening financial systems. This was followed by a high-level panel discussion that explored how reliable credit intelligence underpins sound economic planning and informed decision-making, establishing a collaborative and forward-looking tone for the Programme.

Day 2 concentrated on operational dimensions and export strategies. Sessions explored the fundamentals of business intelligence, the strategic integration of the Africa Trade Gateway, and advanced approaches to credit risk management. Participants also engaged in discussions on effective export expansion strategies, gaining practical insights and tools that can be applied to enhance trade facilitation and financial decisionmaking.

Day 3 highlighted the role of unique entity identifiers and inclusive financial ecosystems. Discussions emphasized the strategic importance of identifiers such as MANSA and GLEIF, as well as the value of shared databases in improving transparency and risk assessment. The Programme also featured inspiring case studies on women’s economic empowerment in Africa, demonstrating how robust financial ecosystems can create tangible development impact. The event concluded with a certification ceremony, recognizing participants’ successful completion of the Programme and their readiness to apply OBIC tools within their institutions.

Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC, stated: “Strengthening the quality, reliability, and accessibility of credit information across our Member States is essential to unlocking sustainable trade and investment flows. Through the OBIC platform and this Capacity-Building Programme, we are empowering institutions with the tools needed to make informed decisions, reduce risks, and accelerate economic opportunities across the OIC region. Our partnership with IsDB, BADEA, Afreximbank, and ICDT reflects our shared commitment to building a more transparent, interconnected, and resilient economic ecosystem for our Member States.”

The Casablanca Programme was more than just an event; it was a milestone in OBIC’s evolution into a structured capacity-building ecosystem. It significantly deepened institutional understanding of credit intelligence, heightened awareness of OBIC’s capabilities, and fostered stronger cooperation among Member States. The enthusiastic demand for future training cycles underscores the Programme’s profound impact and reinforces ICIEC’s leadership in driving trade intelligence and regional collaboration. As the delegates returned to their respective countries, they carried not just certificates, but a renewed sense of purpose and the practical tools to contribute to a more prosperous and interconnected OIC region.

Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, announced today that the 4th Capacity-Building Programme for Users of the OIC Business Intelligence Center (OBIC) will be held from 24 to 26 November 2025 in Casablanca.

The programme, sponsored by ICIEC, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), represents a key milestone in advancing the quality, accessibility and integration of credit and business information across the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States.

As ICIEC’s flagship initiative, OBIC provides an essential platform that supports Member States in modernizing their credit-reporting ecosystems, strengthening business intelligence infrastructure and enabling informed trade and investment decisions that reduce risk and foster sustainable development.

The three-day programme will convene senior officials and experts to examine the role of business intelligence in strengthening economic decision-making, beginning with an opening session featuring partner institutions. Discussions will cover OBIC’s contribution to national and cross-border credit ecosystems, the use of reliable credit information in banking, export operations and investment promotion, as well as the relevance of platforms such as the Africa Trade Gateway.

The agenda further includes practical case studies from Tunisia, insights into the AMAN Union shared credit database, and an overview of unique entity identifiers like MANSA and GLEIF. The programme will conclude with success stories on women’s economic empowerment in Africa and a session on enhancing the use of statistical and business intelligence tools by investment promotion agencies, followed by a closing ceremony.

Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, stated: “Strengthening the quality, reliability and accessibility of credit information across our Member States is essential to unlocking sustainable trade and investment flows. Through the OBIC platform and this capacity-building programme, we are empowering institutions with the tools needed to make informed decisions, reduce risks, and accelerate economic opportunities across the OIC region. Our partnership with IsDB, BADEA, Afreximbank and ICDT reflects our shared commitment to building a more transparent, interconnected and resilient economic ecosystem for our Member States.”

Cairo, Egypt — The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, and African Export‑Import Bank (Afreximbank) are pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen their cooperation in promoting trade and investment flows across Arab and African countries.

The MoU was signed in Cairo, Egypt, on 27 October 2025 by Eng. Yasser Alaki, Director of the Business Development Department at ICIEC, and Mr. Kofi Asumadu Addo, Director, Guarantees and Specialised Finance at Afreximbank who represented the Bank’s Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank, Mr. Haytham EL Maayergi.

The partnership provides a robust framework for collaboration, enabling the two parties to harmonise their efforts in supporting Arab-African businesses seeking regional market opportunities while facilitating practical information exchange in areas where access to trade and investment intelligence has been limited. Through the cooperation, ICIEC and Afreximbank will align their strategic decision-support tools, developing synergies to better serve public- and private-sector actors across their respective networks.

Areas of cooperation covered in the MoU include risk-sharing mechanisms, which will underpin Afreximbank’s efforts to mobilise financing in support of trade; a structured exchange of information to strengthen the outreach and insight of both institutions; support for Afreximbank’s digital platforms; access for both partners to TRADAR Club offerings, such as TRADAR Intelligence (TIP) and TRADAR Regulations (TRIP); joint capacity-building and advisory services; collaborative work in marketing, promotion and product development; and deployment of the AfrexInsure initiative to maximise risk mitigation and trade-finance tools.

Eng. Yasser Alaki, Director of the Business Development Department at ICIEC commented, “This partnership marks a milestone in our shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable trade and investment across the Arab-Africa corridor. By combining ICIEC’s risk-mitigation expertise with Afreximbank’s expansive financing and advisory platform, we are enabling businesses to move from ambition to action. Together, we will unlock new opportunities and deliver strategic value-add to trade flows that benefit our member countries and private-sector partners.”

Commenting on the MoU, Mr Haytham El Maayergi, Executive Vice President of Global Trade Bank at Afreximbank noted, “This MoU is a testament to the long-standing relationship between Afreximbank and ICIEC aimed at deepening Arab-Africa trade. It is expected to generate mutually beneficial and meaningful outcomes in areas such as market development, risk-sharing, digital innovation, and capacity building. Both institutions look forward to advancing our joint initiatives, including the achievement of the strategic objectives of the Arab African Trade Bridge.”

Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – The AMAN Union, the professional forum of commercial and non-commercial risk insurers and reinsurers in member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman), successfully concluded its 15^th Annual General Meeting, held from November 4 to 6, 2025, and hosted by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC)—a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group—at its headquarters in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The event gathered 115 participants representing all members from 38 countries, alongside Export Credit Agencies (ECAs), reinsurers, and international organizations. The meeting marked a milestone for the Union, highlighting collaboration, innovation, and institutional growth.

Dr. Khalid Khalafallah, Chairman of the 15^th AMAN Union General Assembly and Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, added, “Hosting this year’s meeting in Jeddah highlights ICIEC’s enduring commitment to supporting regional cooperation. The AMAN Union continues to serve as a powerful platform for innovation, knowledge-sharing, and sustainable development across the OIC region.”

During the event, the AMAN Union General Secretariat and the Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM) signed a Transfer Agreement, setting the framework for the relocation of the Union’s General Secretariat to Saudi EXIM Bank. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the Union’s operational independence and sustainability.

“This transition represents an important step in enhancing the operational independence and long-term sustainability of the Union,” said Mr. Mourad Mizouri, Secretary General of AMAN Union. “Our members remain united in advancing the Union’s mission of fostering collaboration and strengthening the credit-insurance ecosystem across member states.”

The gathering also witnessed the signing of several key cooperation agreements among members to further reinforce collaboration within the Union’s network. These included an agreement between ICIEC and KazakhExport, an agreement between Saudi EXIM Bank and COTUNACE, and an agreement between CAGEX and KazakhExport, underscoring the Union’s role as a platform for fostering strategic partnerships and promoting knowledge exchange across the trade and investment insurance industry.

The meeting also featured the 4^th AMAN Union Awards, recognizing Saudi EXIM Bank for exceptional institutional performance and Jordan Loan Guarantee Corporation (JLGC) for excellence in research and innovation.

As part of its commitment to professional development, the Union held a Ceremony for the Distribution of Online Training Certificates, recognizing the dedication of participants who completed the AMAN Union’s specialized training programs. Certificates were presented by Mr. Silvan Said, Managing Director of RISC Institute DMCC, and Mr. Al-Tayeb Abbas Fadlallah, Chairman of the AMAN Union Academy, to Mr. Abderrahim Belkacemi (Dhaman) and Mr. Samir Zaky (ICIEC), underscoring the Union’s focus on building institutional capacity and advancing professional excellence.

The Technical Performance Analysis for 2023–2024, presented by Türk Eximbank, reported a 10% increase in total insured business (USD 54 billion), 20% growth in premiums (USD 338 million), and a 21% decline in claims, reflecting the continued resilience of AMAN Union members in advancing trade and economic cooperation across OIC member states.

During the 15th Annual General Meeting of the AMAN Union, hosted in Jeddah by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC)—the insurance arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group—the Union held a special certificate presentation ceremony to recognize professionals who successfully completed its specialized online training programs. Certificates were presented by Mr. Silvan Said, Managing Director of RISC Institute DMCC, and Mr. Al-Tayeb Abbas Fadlallah, Chairman of the AMAN Union Academy, to Mr. Abderrahim Belkacemi of Dhaman and Mr. Samir Zaky of ICIEC, in acknowledgment of their exemplary dedication to professional development.

This initiative underscores AMAN Union’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, promoting professional excellence, and fostering continuous knowledge exchange among its member institutions across the OIC region. Through such efforts, the Union continues to invest in developing human capital within the Islamic insurance and export credit ecosystem—ensuring that professionals are equipped with the technical expertise and global competencies required to navigate the evolving demands of the industry.

As part of its broader strategy to foster sustainable capacity building, AMAN Union, in collaboration with RISC Institute DMCC, launched an online professional development program leading to the Professional Certificate in Insurance (Cert. CII™), a globally recognized qualification awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) in the United Kingdom. The program is designed to cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals across OIC export credit and investment insurance institutions, integrating both theoretical foundations and practical insights.

The training pathway comprises three comprehensive modules—Award in General Insurance (W01), Underwriting Essentials (WUE), and Claims Essentials (WCE)—covering critical areas such as risk and insurance fundamentals, underwriting practices, reinsurance, claims handling, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance. Upon successful completion, participants earn the Cert. CII™ designation, enhancing their professional credibility and opening new opportunities for international advancement within the insurance and credit guarantee sectors.

Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Mourad Mizouri, Secretary General of the AMAN Union, stated: “At AMAN Union, we believe that the strength of our industry lies in the knowledge and professionalism of our people. Our partnership with RISC Institute reflects our determination to build a skilled, connected, and competitive community of insurance and export credit professionals across our member countries.”

Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, and KazakhExport, the Export Credit Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan, have renewed their Quota-Share Treaty Reinsurance Agreement for the fifth consecutive year, covering the period from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2026.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Khalid Khalafallah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ICIEC, and Mrs. Ayan Bektybayeva, Deputy Chairman of the Board of KazakhExport, on the sidelines of the 15th Annual Meeting of the AMAN Union, held from 4–6 November 2025 in Jeddah.

This renewal reaffirms the long-standing partnership between the two institutions in advancing trade, investment, and economic cooperation among Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states.

Under the agreement, ICIEC will continue to provide reinsurance coverage for KazakhExport’s Documentary Credit Insurance Policy (DCIP), enabling the agency to expand its underwriting capacity for trade-finance risks, particularly in high-impact sectors that drive export diversification and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The renewed partnership underscores ICIEC’s strategic role in delivering risk capacity, technical support, and knowledge transfer to member Export Credit Agencies (ECAs), while reinforcing Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening non-oil exports under the institutional framework of Baiterek National Managing Holding JSC.

Dr. Khalid Khalafallah, CEO of ICIEC, commented: “This renewal reflects the depth of our partnership with KazakhExport and our shared vision to advance trade and investment across OIC member countries. Through this treaty, ICIEC continues to deliver reinsurance and technical support that empower member ECAs to underwrite larger, more diversified, and more impactful trade transactions.”