iib East Africa Renews Partnership with Chevening to Support Regional Talent Across Africa

15 April 2026

Djibouti — 15th April, 2026 – iib East Africa, part of iibGroup, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the Chevening Scholarship Programme, further strengthening its commitment to education and talent development across Africa.

As part of the initiative, iibGroup will sponsor three scholars for the upcoming academic cycle one each from Djibouti, Ethiopia and Cape Verde enabling them to pursue one year postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.

The agreement reflects an expansion of the partnership, with Ethiopia included this year, alongside Djibouti and Cape Verde, reinforcing iibGroup’s growing regional footprint and cross-market engagement.

The signing ceremony was held in Djibouti and attended by Maruf Ahmed, Director iib East Africa; Neima Omar, Chief Operating Officer; Nasir Abdi, Head of Client Coverage; Vinay Talwar, H.E Ambassador of UK to Djibouti and other colleagues.

“This year’s expansion to include Ethiopia reflects the natural progression of our regional strategy. By extending this partnership across three markets, we are supporting the development of talent that understands both local realities and global frameworks, an essential combination for the next phase of growth across our operating regions.”

Maruf Ahmed, Director iib East Africa.

“Our continued partnership with Chevening in Djibouti reflects a long-term commitment to investing in people. Initiatives like this play an important role in strengthening institutional and educational ties, while creating opportunities for future leaders to contribute meaningfully to national development.”

Vinay Talwar, H.E. Ambassador of UK to Djibouti.

Strategic Focus on Talent and Regional Development
Through this collaboration with the Chevening Scholarship Programme, one of the UK government’s most prestigious global scholarship initiatives. Through this partnership, iibGroup will enable selected scholars to pursue one-year further studies in the United Kingdom, contributing to the development of skilled professionals across its core markets while strengthening regional connectivity through shared academic and leadership exposure.

Driving Long-Term Impact
The initiative forms part of iibGroup’s broader ESG and development agenda, which focuses on strengthening local ecosystems through education, financial inclusion, and strategic partnerships.
By aligning with globally recognized institutions such as Chevening, iibGroup continues to position itself as a catalyst for meaningful, long-term impact across emerging markets.

About iib East Africa (Djibouti)
iib East Africa is a licensed banking institution based in Djibouti, serving corporate and institutional clients across the Ethiopia–Djibouti corridor. The bank is committed to advancing financial inclusion, innovation, and private sector development in the region.

About iibGroup Holdings W.L.L. (Bahrain)
iibGroup is a diversified international investment and banking group with operations across East Africa, the Middle East, West Africa, and the Caribbean. The Group provides banking, investment, and advisory solutions while also deploying capital into high-impact sectors such as trade, digital infrastructure, and financial inclusion. Through its regional platforms, iibGroup supports SMEs, empowers women- and youth-led enterprises, and channels capital to industries that strengthen regional integration and sustainable growth across emerging markets.

About Chevening
Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarships programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. It offers outstanding emerging leaders from around the world the opportunity to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK.

iib East Africa Renews Partnership with Chevening to Support Regional Talent Across Africa

iib West Africa Opens New Banking Office in Sal Island

iibGroup Receives License from NBE for a Representative Office in Addis Ababa, Strengthening Presence into Ethiopia’s Emerging Financial Sector

iib East Africa Delivers Ramadan Food Aid to Families in Balbala