ICD Synergies and Partnerships

ICD actively collaborates with a diverse range of stakeholders to enhance the private sector’s role in tackling global development challenges. Strategic partnerships serve as a cornerstone of these efforts, driving impactful outcomes and fostering sustainable growth.

Leveraging Partnerships to Empower Businesses and Inspire the Future

ICD has strategically positioned itself as a key enabler of economic growth and sustainability by fostering impactful partnerships.

Through its alliances with development institutions, multilateral development banks, and international organizations, ICD has significantly enhanced the availability of financing, technical expertise, and market opportunities for businesses across its member countries. These collaborations have been instrumental in driving the private sector’s growth, particularly in critical areas such as renewable energy and infrastructure, where they have spurred innovation, accelerated economic development, and advanced sustainability.

In 2024, ICD further solidified its role as a trusted partner and catalyst for progress by tapping into its expansive network. This network includes multilateral development banks, development finance institutions, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, central banks, and technical advisors. Together, these stakeholders have contributed to ICD’s efforts to address complex development challenges and seize emerging opportunities within member countries. By leveraging this ecosystem, ICD has bridged financing gaps, facilitated knowledge sharing, and promoted best practices in sustainable development.

Remaining steadfast in its mission to empower the private sector, ICD has also prioritized aligning with partners who share a common vision for economic resilience and environmental responsibility. These partnerships have resulted in numerous joint initiatives, from co-financing major projects to deploying technical assistance programs that support enterprises at various stages of growth. The focus on renewable energy, for instance, has not only helped reduce carbon footprints but also ensured energy access for underserved regions, improving quality of life and creating jobs.

ICD’s commitment to sustainable development goes beyond financial contributions. Its partnerships have fostered innovation in business models, enhanced institutional capacity, and opened doors to new markets for private enterprises. By integrating sustainability into the core of its operations, ICD has enabled long-term value creation, supporting member nations in achieving their developmental goals.

Looking forward, ICD is committed to enhancing its partnerships with aligned organizations, ensuring that its efforts create a lasting impact. By continuing to foster synergies across sectors and regions, ICD is poised to play an even more influential role in shaping a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for its member countries

ICD remains dedicated to strengthening its collaboration with like-minded entities, ensuring that its initiatives generate lasting impact.

ICD Partnerships in 2024

Technical Coordination Committee (TCC)

ICD worked closely with other IsDB Group entities, particularly ITFC and ICIEC, strengthening intra-group collaboration through regular TCC meetings and CEOs meetings.

Newly Formed Partnerships and MOUs for Pipeline Sharing and Co-Financing

ICD has made significant strides in advancing its partnership initiatives during the first half of 2024. Newly established Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and collaborations emphasize co-financing and pipeline sharing, with a focus on driving sustainable development across key sectors in member countries, including Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, and several African nations.

This summary highlights ICD’s partnership activities, underscoring its unwavering commitment to fostering development finance through strategic alliances, co-financing opportunities, and comprehensive support programs. Enhanced cooperation with multilateral and bilateral partners is paving the way for transformative projects, critical to fostering economic growth and sustainability in member countries.

ICD’s Key Activities and Initiatives in 2024

Country Work Program for Uzbekistan (2024-2026)

In May 2024, ICD launched its 2024-2026 Country Work Program for Uzbekistan, committing up to USD 400 million. This initiative focuses on supporting the private sector in manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and SME financing, aligning with the country’s development priorities.

Co-Financing and Pipeline Sharing Initiatives

ICD has strengthened its collaborative efforts with key partners to share resources and co-finance impactful projects. Notable partnerships include:

Infra Saudi Arabia: Co-financing and pipeline sharing.

Azerbaijan Investment Company: Co-financing and pipeline sharing.

Africa Finance Corporation: Co-financing and pipeline sharing.

Strategic Engagements with Development Financial Institutions

ICD conducted a series of workshops with multilateral development banks (MDBs) and international financial institutions (IFIs) to enhance collaboration and explore co-financing opportunities. Key partners included:

International Finance Corporation (IFC): Focusing on manufacturing and agribusiness sectors.

African Development Bank (AfDB): Exploring line of finance opportunities and infrastructure development.

Arab-Africa Trade Bridges Program (AATB)

The AATB Program is a strategic initiative aimed at addressing challenges in regional trade between Africa and other regions. ICD remains committed to the program, focusing on private sector development to tackle food security, education, health, and infrastructure challenges. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are central to these efforts, driving economic growth and sustainable trade solutions. Additionally, ICD has enhanced its role as a facilitator of Sukuk issuance to mobilize capital for development projects in member countries.

Participation in the Africa Investment Forum (AIF)

ICD participated in the AIF Market Days held in Rabat, Morocco, from 4-6 December 2024. Representing the IsDB Group alongside other entities, ICD contributed to 35 boardroom discussions showcasing deals worth USD 40 billion. The focus was on project finance opportunities in mining, infrastructure, transportation, and power sectors, reinforcing investment facilitation efforts.

Knowledge Sharing Initiatives

ICD has prioritized capacity-building and innovation through virtual and in-person workshops that focus on strategic partnerships and innovative financing solutions, such as Sukuk. Key activities included:

Virtual Workshop with Egyptian Financial Supervisory Authority (EFSA): Focused on Sukuk financing.

Workshop with INNOXEX and IFC-OCP Agribusiness Platform: Exploring agribusiness opportunities.

Virtual Workshop with Standard Chartered: Conducted ahead of COP29, highlighting Green Sukuk solutions.

Awards & Recognition to Date

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2012

The Institutional Excellence Award 2012
The World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC) 2012

2013

Best Islamic Financial Initiative
Tatweej Academy for Excellence Awards 2013

2014

Excellence in Development of the Islamic Private Sector – MENA 2014
International Finance Magazine 2014

‘Best Islamic Leasing Provider’ and ‘Best Islamic Finance Advisor
CMO Organization 2014

Islamic Banking Business Excellence Award
Acquisition International Magazine 2014

Islamic Bank of the Year
ACQ Global Awards 2014

Best Private Sector Developer – Middle East
IAIR Awards on Global Economy and Sustainability 2014

2015

The Most Outstanding Institution for Contribution to Islamic Finance
Kuala Lumpur Islamic Finance Forum (KLIFF) 2015

‘Africa Deal of the Year’ for the CFA 100 billion inaugural sovereign Sukuk from the Republic of Senegal in July
Islamic Finance News (IFN) 2015

‘Cross-border Deal of the Year’ for the landmark USD 100 million commodity Murabahah transaction with Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ in September
Islamic Finance News (IFN) 2015

The Award of Excellence for Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Islamic Finance in the Private Sector
The London Sukuk Summit 2015

The Islamic Economy Award – The Money and Finance Category
Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Thomson Reuters 2015

Best Islamic Finance Initiative Award
African Banker Magazine 2015

Best Development Bank CPI Financial 2015

2016

Sovereign Deal of the Year 2016
Islamic Finance News (IFN) 2017

2017

The Best Human Capital Development Program 2017
Global Islamic Finance Awards (GIFA)

2019

Outstanding Contribution to ESG Responsible Financial Innovation Global 2019
Capital Finance International (CFI) 2019

2020

‘Cross-Border Deal of the Year’ and ‘Pakistan Deal of the Year’ 2019 for the dual-currency financing facility for NASDA Green Energy’s 50 MW wind power project
Islamic Finance News (IFN) 2020

2021

Best Contributor to the Islamic Finance Industry
AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking & Economics 2021

‘The Kuwait Deal of the Year’ for the Kuwait International Bank’s USD 300 million Tier 2 Sukuk
Islamic Finance News (IFN) 2021

‘The Social Impact/SRI/ ESG Deal of the Year’ for IsDB’s USD 1.5 billion Sustainable Sukuk
Islamic Finance News (IFN) 2021

2022

BRAVE Project earns Honorable Mention in Global SME Finance Awards
Global SME Finance Awards 2022

2023

IFN Emerging Islamic Markets Deal of the Year 2022 for River Med Pharm’s USD 4 million financing in collaboration with Asia Alliance Bank
Islamic Finance News (IFN) 2023