IHC And US DFC Forge Collaboration To Mobilise Global Capital Across Strategic Sectors

IHC announces a new strategic framework with the US International Development Finance Corporation, aiming to channel large-scale private capital into high-growth markets. The arrangement targets sectors seen as vital for long-term economic security, and supports joint US-UAE interests across trade, connectivity, and sustainable development.

Under the framework, both organisations plan to seek projects that create clear economic value and social impact. Planned investments are set to build workforce skills, back innovation in advanced technologies, and support lasting development and security priorities in partner economies across emerging and frontier markets.

The agreement covers a wide set of fields, including critical minerals and mining, energy and infrastructure, logistics and maritime services, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and ICT and data-centre links. Food security, advanced agriculture, and other enabling infrastructure are also included, with a focus on major global trade corridors.

Projects are expected to be sourced across emerging and frontier markets that connect to key global supply lines. The framework is designed to align commercial returns with wider strategic aims, while supporting resilient supply chains and promoting high-standard investment flows between different regions.

IHC and DFC intend to work together through a senior-level joint committee, which will help speed up transaction assessment and execution. This structure is meant to support deploying capital at scale, while maintaining due diligence and aligning both parties’ long-term objectives in each target sector.

The collaboration draws on DFC’s expanded balance sheet and role as the United States government’s international investment arm, alongside IHC’s global investment reach and operational experience. Together, the partners aim to use these combined strengths to deliver large, complex projects that match both nations’ priorities.

IHC DFC strategic framework reflects US-UAE ties

The announcement underlines the depth of the economic relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the United States. The agreement is signed in Abu Dhabi in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of IHC, alongside Syed Basar Shueb and Ben Black.

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."

Ben Black, CEO of the US International Development Finance Corporation, added: "DFC’s work with IHC is a crucial step in executing President Trump’s foreign policy vision and deepens the US-UAE bilateral relationship. Together, IHC and DFC will focus on investments that strengthen and expand economic opportunity and advance shared US–UAE strategic goals – all while making a return for the US 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."

Through this framework, IHC and DFC position themselves to co-identify, underwrite, and execute investments across multiple strategic sectors. The partners state that the approach is intended to generate measurable economic impact, support workforce development, and back innovation, while reinforcing a shared agenda for long-term growth and stability across participating markets.

With inputs from WAM