Lisbon, 19 May 2026 – iibGroup is once again partnering with Chevening Scholarships, the UK programme that provides scholarships for postgraduate studies in the UK, with the award of three scholarships in Africa: one in Cabo Verde, one in Djibouti and another in Ethiopia.
The partnership with Cabo Verde was formalized on Monday 18 May in Lisbon, with the signing of the agreement between Lisa Bandari, UK Ambassador to Portugal and Cabo Verde, and Sohail Sultan, Chairman iibGroup. The ceremony was also attended by S.K. Husain, COO iibGroup, Joseph Carasso, CEO iib West Africa and Sabiha Sultan, Director – Institutional Investors iibGroup.
“The students who have benefited from Chevening scholarships through iibGroup over the past year demonstrate the real impact that this type of initiative can have, not only at an individual level but also within their communities. By renewing this partnership, we are reinforcing our commitment to empowering talent and promoting more inclusive and sustainable development, training the leaders of tomorrow”, emphasized Sohail Sultan during the event.
Also at the ceremony, Lisa Bandari stated: “Chevening It is truly a life-changing experience, opening doors to world-class education, cultural exchange, and a global network of over 60,000 alumni, including presidents, entrepreneurs, scientists, educators, and civil society leaders. Today’s renewal ensures that another talented Master’s student will have that same opportunity. We strongly believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. By funding this scholarship with the UK Government, iibGroup is helping to close that gap and unlock potential in Cabo Verde”.
Chevening is the UK government’s scholarship programme, through which scholarships are awarded to individuals with a strong 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 60,000 alumni across more than 160 countries and territories.
In addition to financial support, iibGroup will mentor and support 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 Chevening scholarships are currently being reviewed.
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 commercial banking, structured 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.
For more information, visit www.iibanks.com
About iib West Africa:
iib West Africa is a licensed banking institution headquartered in Cape Verde, serving corporate and institutional clients across the African continent. The bank is committed to promoting financial inclusion, innovation and the development of the private sector in the region.
