Investment companies & funds
Investing in funds is an important way for BIO to build a well-balanced portfolio, give entrepreneurs the long-term capital they need, support the financing system, and contribute to building a private equity ecosystem. This approach also supports the growth of strong, sustainable business models for the SMEs they back — a key driver of economic growth in developing countries.
Investing in private equity funds enables BIO reach more companies through a single investment, while tapping into the local know-how of experienced fund managers. It’s a smart way to support the goals set out in our management contract and to spread risk in tough investment environments.
Our investment in the Inside Equity Fund II, alongside the DGGF (Dutch Good Growth Fund), the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, IFC, Norfund and Swedfund, is a good example. The objectives of this fund hit many of our key priorities:
- 100% focus on SMEs
- 100% focused on South East Africa
- 85% in least developed countries
- Clear climate and gender goals
- Sector focus on renewable energy, agri value chains, and waste management
BIO’s involvement is also catalytic, sending a strong signal to private investors and playing a crucial role in helping the fund reach its target size.
BIO is committed to playing a catalytic role in all of its investments, attracting private sector funding alongside its own. This collaborative approach is central to BIO’s mission, helping create broader, more sustainable impact and BIO’s goal of doing more with greater reach.
This brings the total number of approved investments in investment companies & funds to 69, totalling EUR 494.0 M.
Total approved commitments on 31/12/2024
As part of the BDSF, BIO also approved 2 technical assistance facilities for investment companies and funds, totalling EUR 735,000.
BIO has invested EUR 10 M in equity in the AfricInvest SME Fund, a private equity fund that will support fast-growing SMEs in North and sub-Saharan Africa.
BIO has granted EUR 350.000 of technical assistance to Afrigreen Debt Impact Fund, a private equity fund focused on solar renewable energy in sub-Saharan Africa.
BIO has committed USD 10 M in equity in the African Rivers Fund IV (ARF IV), a sector-agnostic investment fund focused on SMEs located mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Angola and Zambia.
BIO has invested EUR 5 M in Inside Equity Fund II, a 10-year generalist SME fund focused on Southeast Africa.
BIO has invested USD 15 M in equity in the Navis Asia Credit Fund, a generalist private credit fund to be invested in Southeast Asia.
BIO has granted a USD 15 M loan to the Renewable Energy Performance Platform 2, a 20-year close ended debt fun focused on renewable energy.