As part of our Sustainability Strategy, we have launched the CIEL Sustainable Finance Framework, a pioneering initiative for a leading Mauritian investment Group.
This Framework sets out how we integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors into financing decisions, directly supporting our sustainable development strategy and the initiatives implemented across our business clusters. It marks a milestone in our journey, reinforcing our ambition to combine financial discipline with environmental and social responsibility.
“We are proud to launch our Sustainable Finance Framework, a milestone in our sustainability journey and a commitment to responsible growth. It strengthens the way we align financing with our sustainability strategy and reflects the dedication of our teams and partners. By embedding sustainability at the core of our growth strategy, the framework ensures that capital allocation supports long-term value creation while contributing positively to our businesses, our people, and the communities where we operate”, shared Guillaume Dalais, our Group Chief Executive.
For Jérôme de Chasteauneuf, our Group Finance Director, “The Sustainable Finance Framework reinforces CIEL’s financial discipline and ambition in sustainable finance. It provides an internationally recognised structure that integrates sustainability into our financing decisions. By combining financial rigour with responsibility, it shows that we can remain astute investors, create long-term value for shareholders and contribute to social and environmental progress.”
A framework for purpose
The Framework establishes a disciplined process to ensure that our financing activities contribute to long-term sustainable value. It provides a clear structure to finance projects that deliver environmental and social benefits across our six clusters: Textile, Finance, Healthcare, Hotels & Resorts, Property and Agro-Industry.
“This framework is a continuation of CIEL’s sustainability strategy. It ensures that our financing decisions are fully integrated with the commitments we have already made as a Group, from reducing our environmental footprint to strengthening our social impact. By linking our funding to clear impact objectives and internationally recognised standards, we are reinforcing our long-term approach to responsible growth and giving our stakeholders confidence in the transparency of our actions”, added Dev Sewgobind, our Group Head of HR & Sustainability.
Embedding sustainability into financing
By embedding sustainability into financing choices, we ensure that funds raised are tied to projects with measurable impact. The Framework enables the Group to access a range of sustainable instruments, including green bonds, social bonds, sustainability bonds and sustainability-linked loans. Each is aligned with recognised international guidelines such as the ICMA Green and Social Bond Principles, the Sustainability Bond Guidelines, the Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles, as well as the LMA Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles.
Oversight will be provided by a dedicated Sustainable Finance Committee within CIEL, responsible for selecting eligible projects, monitoring implementation, and publishing transparent impact reports.
Eligible projects
Funding raised through the Framework will be channeled to projects within CIEL’s clusters in areas where long-term value can be created:
• Renewable energy and energy efficiency, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions.
• Sustainable water, wastewater and waste management, to support more responsible use of natural resources.
• Healthcare and education services, to expand access to essential needs.
• Affordable housing, job creation and women’s empowerment, to drive inclusion and social progress.
Each project will be assessed against measurable criteria, with results tracked and disclosed publicly. A Second Party Opinion from Sustainalytics confirmed that the Framework is well aligned with international standards and provides assurance that funds raised will be directed to projects with tangible environmental and social value.
A collaborative effort
The Framework was structured with the support of MCB Capital Markets in collaboration with MCB Group’s Central Sustainability Office. Their advisory role and expertise have ensured alignment with global best practices and enabled access to sustainable financial instruments.
“We strongly believe in creating a sustainable and inclusive future for the customers and communities we serve. Building on the momentum of our Sustainable Finance Framework launched last year, we are actively strengthening internal capabilities and proudly supporting our clients in their sustainable development journey. This collaboration with CIEL Group reaffirms our commitment to driving positive change and being an inspiring player in our home markets”, said Jean Michel Ng Tseung, CEO of MCB Group.
The project also received support from FSD Africa, a development agency of the UK Government, which funded the Second Party Opinion delivered by Morningstar Sustainalytics UK Limited, the leading SPO provider.
"We are proud to see CIEL launch its Sustainable Finance Framework that will guide its investment decisions going forward. We support this process as it aligns well with our mandate of greening and deepening capital markets across Africa. We are encouraged to see more players in the investment world commit to climate positive and resilient strategies, as these enhance sustainability of our economies in the long term", added Mark Napier, CEO of FSD Africa Investments.
These partnerships have been key in anchoring the framework in international best practice, while making sustainable finance more accessible within Mauritius.
Building on our sustainability strategy
The launch of the Sustainable Finance Framework reinforces CIEL’s long-standing commitment to responsible growth. By linking financing directly to sustainability priorities, the Group is demonstrating that economic progress, environmental responsibility and social inclusion can advance together.
CIEL remains an astute investor, focused on long-term sustainable value creation that combines financial discipline with positive environmental and social outcomes.
