IHC, a global investment company, has signed a strategic framework with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to mobilize private-sector investment across priority sectors and high-growth markets. The agreement, signed in Abu Dhabi, was witnessed by H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with IHC CEO Syed Basar Shueb and DFC CEO Ben Black representing their respective organisations.
The framework enables the co-identification, underwriting, and execution of investments in critical minerals and mining, energy and infrastructure, logistics and maritime operations, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, ICT and data‑center connectivity, food security, advanced agriculture, and other enabling infrastructure. The collaboration will focus on projects spanning emerging and frontier markets, including opportunities aligned with major global trade and connectivity corridors.
Accelerating investment execution and strategic impact
Under the agreement, a senior-level joint committee will oversee execution, aiming to deploy capital at scale while aligning long-term commercial returns with strategic outcomes. Moreover, the framework aims to strengthen resilient supply chains and promote high-standard investment flows between regions, leveraging IHC’s operational expertise with DFC’s expanded balance sheet and mandate as the U.S. government’s international investment arm.
Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, said, “This strategic framework with DFC represents a powerful alignment of capital, capability and conviction. By combining IHC’s global platform and sectoral leadership with DFC’s financial expertise, we are creating a scalable mechanism to deliver transformational investments across critical industries. Together, we aim to unlock long-term value, strengthen resilient supply chains, and drive sustainable economic growth across key markets that matter to both our nations.”
Advancing bilateral economic relations
Ben Black, CEO of DFC, added, “DFC’s work with IHC is a crucial step in executing President Trump’s foreign policy vision and deepens the U.S.-UAE bilateral relationship. Together, IHC and DFC will focus on investments that strengthen and expand economic opportunity and advance shared U.S.–UAE strategic goals – all while making a return for the U.S. taxpayer. By leveraging IHC’s and DFC’s global reach and investment expertise, both nations will be positioned to deliver high‑return projects and promote world‑class investment standards.”
The framework is designed to pursue opportunities that generate measurable economic impact, expand workforce capabilities, support innovation in advanced technologies, and reinforce long-term development and security objectives across partner economies. As a result, it represents a structured approach to scaling investment while aligning with broader U.S.–UAE strategic and commercial priorities.
