· Investment will help create jobs and expand modern food retail.

· New logistics infrastructure will improve access to affordable, quality food.

· Project will strengthen links with local farmers and suppliers.

Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, July 8, 2026- IFC is investing in Umai Group, the Kyrgyz Republic's largest modern grocery retailer, to create more and better jobs, improve food distribution, and expand access to affordable, quality food across the country.

The $50 million financing will help Umai Group build the country's first centralized A-class grocery distribution center and expand its store network, including in underserved areas. IFC's investment is expected to create more than 22,000 jobs through suppliers, farmers, and related sectors. With a seven-year tenor, it provides long-term funding that is scarce in the local market, where financing of this size for a single borrower is rarely available.

"We are delighted to partner with IFC on this US$50 million financing, which will enable Umai Group to serve our existing network of 172 stores while also underpinning our ambition to approximately double our store footprint over the medium term," said Rud Pedersen, Chairman of Umai Group's Supervisory Board. "This represents a strong endorsement of Umai Group's leadership in the Kyrgyz Republic's rapidly developing modern grocery retail sector, the quality of our business and governance structures, as well as the Central Asia region's continued economic development."

"Our investment will help Umai Group create jobs and improve food access for its customers in the Kyrgyz Republic," said Lukas Casey, IFC's Regional Manager for Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services for Central Asia and Türkiye. "Modern private food retail and logistics can make food affordable and of consistent quality for consumers while also creating opportunities for farmers and others at scale, especially outside major cities."

The Kyrgyz Republic's grocery market remains largely informal, with fragmented supply chains and limited logistics infrastructure. Umai Group's expansion will help make food distribution more efficient, reduce losses, and improve the availability and quality of products for consumers.

IFC's investment will also create more stable market opportunities for local farmers and suppliers as Umai Group increases sourcing from domestic producers. IFC will also work with the company to strengthen corporate governance, environmental and social practices, energy efficiency, while also supporting the company in obtaining EDGE certification.

About Umai Group

Umai Group is the Kyrgyz Republic's leading grocery retailer, with more than 24 years of experience in developing modern retail, logistics infrastructure, and in-house manufacturing. The company operates 172 stores under the Globus, "Narodny" "Dostor," and SPAR brands, serving over 280,000 customers daily. Umai Group employs more than 7,500 people, making it one of the country's largest private employers.

Umai Group invests in the development of modern logistics, digital technologies, and its own private labels, helping to increase the availability of high-quality food products and foster the growth of modern grocery retail in the Kyrgyz Republic. The company ranks among the top 20 largest taxpayers in the country and is implementing a long-term strategy for sustainable growth aimed at strengthening the food infrastructure, supporting local producers, and developing the national economy. Alongside its business development, Umai Group carries out educational, sports, cultural, and charitable initiatives, contributing to improved quality of life, the creation of new opportunities for people, and the sustainable development of society.

For more information, visit https://www.umaigroup.kg.

Stay connected with Umai Group on social media: https://kg.linkedin.com/company/umai-group