Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries

The Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO) is a prominent Development Finance Institution (DFI) established in 2001, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. Its core mission is to foster robust private sector growth in developing and emerging countries, thereby enabling these economies to achieve sustainable development and access new growth opportunities. BIO operates with a clear mandate to provide long-term financing to viable private sector projects that demonstrate a commitment to both economic progress and social and environmental responsibility.

BIO employs a flexible investment approach, offering a range of financial instruments including equity participations, quasi-equity, and various forms of debt. While it targets a broad spectrum of private enterprises, a significant portion of its investments is directed towards Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and financial institutions that serve these crucial segments. This strategic focus aims to strengthen local economies from the ground up, facilitating job creation and improving access to essential services. Typically, BIO's first cheque sizes for direct investments range from approximately EUR 1 million to EUR 25 million, translating to roughly USD 1.08 million to USD 27 million, based on recent exchange rates.

As a significant player in development finance, BIO has built a substantial portfolio. By the end of 2022, its total investment portfolio had reached an impressive EUR 1.1 billion (approximately USD 1.19 billion), underscoring its scale and commitment to its mandate. In the same year, BIO demonstrated its continued active engagement by committing EUR 189 million (approximately USD 204 million) to new projects across various regions. These investments are meticulously selected to ensure they contribute positively to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive finance, ultimately aiming to create lasting socio-economic impact in the regions it serves.