Lisbon, May 15 th , 2025 – iibGroup has partnered with the Chevening Scholarships, the UK program that guarantees scholarships for postgraduate studies in that country, with the award of a scholarship in both Cape Verde and Djibouti.

The partnership with Cape Verde was formalized this Thursday, May 15, in Lisbon, with the signing of the protocol between the UK Ambassador to Portugal and Cape Verde, Lisa Bandari, and Joseph Carasso, CEO iib West Africa. The ceremony was also attended by the CEO of iib West Africa, Joseph Carasso, Duarte Maria de Sousa Araujo Martins accompanied by his wife, Dona Maria Francisca, Duchess of Coimbra, and other guests.

Speaking at the occasion, Sohail Sultan, Chairman iibGroup, said, ‘At iib, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for the development of societies. Partnering with the Chevening Scholarship allows us to invest in the next generation of leaders who will not only uplift Cabo Verde but also strengthen global ties through knowledge and collaboration. We are honoured to formalize this commitment today, in partnership with the British government, and look forward to the impact this initiative will have.”

Also at the ceremony, Lisa Bandari, stated, ‘“Chevening is more than a scholarship – it is a life-changing experience, which opens doors to world-class universities, cultural diversity, and a network of 60,000 alumni worldwide. We are delighted to welcome iibGroup as a partner in this important initiative. Their commitment to supporting talent in Cape Verde reflects a shared belief that education is a driving force for global progress.”

Chevening is the UK government’s scholarship program, through which scholarships are awarded to people with a solid academic background who demonstrate leadership potential. It offers financial support to study at a UK university and the opportunity to join an influential global network of over 50,000 alumni in more than 160 countries and territories.

In addition to financial support, iibGroup will mentor and promote the selected students, integrating them into the Group’s various initiatives. iibGroup continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for progress, reaffirming its commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and promoting innovation for a more sustainable future. Applications for the Chevening scholarship for Cape Verde are currently being considered.