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.