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.