CDC Group

CDC Group, which rebranded as British International Investment (BII) in April 2022, serves as the UK's Development Finance Institution (DFI). Headquartered in London, BII's core mission is to invest patient, flexible capital to support sustainable economic development in emerging markets across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. As a DFI, it operates with a dual mandate: to achieve developmental impact by fostering productive, sustainable, and inclusive growth, while also aiming for financial returns to ensure the long-term sustainability of its operations and capital. Its strategic investments are designed to create jobs, improve access to essential services, and address pressing global challenges like climate change.

BII employs a diverse investment strategy, deploying capital through various instruments including direct equity, debt, and fund commitments. Its primary geographic focus is on sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, with an increasing emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region and the Caribbean. The institution targets sectors critical for economic development, such as infrastructure (including digital and renewable energy), financial services, manufacturing, agribusiness, and technology. BII often acts as a catalyst, aiming to mobilize significant private sector capital alongside its own investments, thereby amplifying its developmental impact and fostering robust local economies.

The organization's commitment to development is substantial, reflecting its role as a key instrument of the UK government's foreign policy and aid objectives. In 2022 alone, BII committed approximately $1.5 billion USD (£1.2 billion) in new investments, demonstrating its significant financial deployment capacity. Its extensive portfolio currently supports over 1,400 businesses, indicating its broad reach and impact across various industries and geographies. BII's investments are guided by stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, ensuring that its capital contributes to responsible and sustainable growth, ultimately aiming to lift communities out of poverty and build resilient economies.