EIB Global Wins Development Lender of the Year at Uxolo Awards

In 2025, EIB Global committed over €9 billion to projects beyond the European Union, strengthening global partnerships and reinforcing Europe’s role as a reliable development partner.

The European Investment Bank's development arm, EIB Global, has been named "Development Lender of the Year" at the 2026 Uxolo Pathfinder Awards, recognising its growing role in financing projects where they are needed most around the world.

In 2025, EIB Global committed over €9 billion to projects beyond the European Union, strengthening global partnerships and reinforcing Europe's role as a reliable development partner. The bank also adopted a strategy to align its international activities with EU priorities while increasing impact on the ground.

Supporting Energy Resilience and Climate Goals

Two EIB-supported projects received special recognition. In Ukraine, the bank provided a €350 million corporate loan to Naftogaz, helping to bolster energy resilience, replenish gas reserves ahead of winter 2025, and mitigate the impact of attacks on energy infrastructure. The operation is complemented by a €127 million EU grant backed by Norway. Naftogaz plans to reinvest an equivalent amount in renewable energy and decarbonisation projects, aligning immediate energy needs with long-term climate objectives.

Driving Africa's Clean Energy Transformation

In Egypt, the Obelisk Solar Project, Africa's largest hybrid solar initiative, secured $150 million in EIB Global financing alongside co-lenders including the African Development Bank, EBRD, and British International Investment. The project features a 1.1 GW solar plant paired with a 100 MW/200 MWh battery storage system, delivering clean, reliable energy at scale and serving as a blueprint for future energy-transition projects across the continent.

Recognition for Innovation and Impact

The Uxolo Pathfinder Awards celebrate development finance institutions that provide innovative solutions and transformative projects, even at smaller scales, when their impact is significant. EIB Global's award highlights its focus on infrastructure, clean energy, and private sector support that creates opportunities for young people and women in emerging economies, while advancing sustainable development worldwide.