At the 2025 plenary meeting of the Green Investment Principles (GIP) for the Belt and Road Initiative, held in Hong Kong in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong, Bank of Africa took center stage. Recognized for its strong commitment to sustainable finance, the bank received the “Outstanding Service” award on the Centennial Campus—now widely regarded as a global hub for innovation in sustainability.
Under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Othman Benjelloun, Bank of Africa has positioned itself as a key player in the green finance movement, both across Africa and on the international stage. Since its inception in 2019, the GIP initiative has worked to embed climate and environmental considerations into investments aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative. Bringing together over fifty financial institutions and partner organizations from Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America, the network champions a global model that balances economic growth, financial inclusion, and low-carbon development—especially in emerging economies.
Bank of Africa holds a unique position within this ecosystem. It was the first African institution to serve on the GIP Secretariat and remains one of its founding members. Today, it co-chairs the Africa Chapter, led by Executive Managing Director and Board Member Brahim Benjelloun-Touimi. In this role, the bank has taken active steps to raise awareness around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, create market-specific sustainable solutions, and foster South-South cooperation to speed up the adoption of best practices in the region.
The award presented in Hong Kong recognizes these long-term efforts. It celebrates the bank’s leadership in promoting a responsible financial culture and in building practical connections between African and Asian markets in the realm of sustainable development.
“Our vision through the GIP is grounded in transparency, transition, and soon, adaptation. This award is a tribute to the collective work of our teams and the strategic vision of Mr. Othman Benjelloun,” said Brahim Benjelloun-Touimi after the ceremony.
The event also brought attention to the rising prominence of Transition Finance in global climate discussions. Building on research led by the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group, this emerging approach is fast becoming a core pillar of the GIP’s framework. It signals a growing determination among stakeholders to step up efforts around climate adaptation—an urgent priority for developing nations.
