Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries

The Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO) is a development finance institution established in 2001, wholly owned by the Belgian state. BIO's mission is to support the creation of a strong private sector in developing and emerging countries, enabling them to achieve sustainable development and growth within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. BIO provides long-term financing to enterprises, financial institutions, and private infrastructure projects, as well as grants for feasibility studies and technical assistance programs. BIO operates as an additional partner to financial institutions, aiming to balance return on investment with development impact. BIO is a member of the European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI) and manages over €1 billion in assets under management. BIO's investment strategy focuses on three main areas: the financial sector, local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and infrastructure projects. In the financial sector, BIO supports microfinance institutions, commercial banks, non-bank financial institutions, investment companies, and investment funds to facilitate access to long-term finance for local SMEs. For local SMEs, BIO invests directly in companies with a local presence, particularly in agribusiness, including food crops intended for local consumption and export, as well as companies involved in breeding, processing of raw food, and value addition. In infrastructure, BIO invests in private or public-private partnership projects focusing on energy, water, telecommunications, and transport infrastructure, with the primary goal of supporting the local private sector. BIO's portfolio is diversified across various regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, South Asia, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and other multi-country projects. The company's investments span multiple industries, such as agriculture, energy, financial services, infrastructure, manufacturing, services, technology, telecommunications, transport and mobility, utilities, healthcare, education, real estate, consumer goods, and media and entertainment. BIO's investment sizes range from €1 million to €50 million, depending on the project's scale and impact. BIO's approach combines financial returns with measurable development outcomes, contributing to the economic growth and sustainable development of the regions it serves. The company's commitment to sustainable and inclusive development is reflected in its support for local businesses and financial institutions, aiming to create lasting value for all stakeholders involved. BIO's strategic impact framework guides its investments, focusing on reducing poverty, creating decent jobs, promoting gender equality, and enhancing climate resilience. Through its investments, BIO plays a significant role in fostering private sector growth and development in emerging economies, aligning with Belgium's broader development cooperation objectives.