State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Established in December 1999, the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) is a sovereign wealth fund dedicated to managing and preserving the nation's oil and gas revenues for future generations. Operating as an extra-budgetary fund, SOFAZ functions as a legal entity separate from the government and central bank, ensuring intergenerational equity and macroeconomic stability. Its primary objectives include decreasing dependence on hydrocarbons and financing major social and infrastructure projects that benefit society and support socio-economic progress.

SOFAZ's investment strategy is characterized by diversification across various asset classes, including commodities, fixed income, infrastructure, private equity, real estate, and venture capital. The fund's portfolio spans multiple stages of investment, such as growth, late stage, pre-IPO, buyout, turnaround, and distressed assets. Geographically, SOFAZ's investments are spread across numerous countries, including Azerbaijan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Greece, Germany, France, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Turkey, Brazil, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The fund's industry focus encompasses energy, education, infrastructure, transportation, technology, financial services, healthcare, telecommunications, consumer goods, real estate, manufacturing, media, retail, hospitality, and agriculture.

In recent years, SOFAZ has been actively diversifying its investment portfolio to mitigate risks associated with oil price volatility and to support long-term financial stability. This diversification includes investments in renewable energy, infrastructure, digital assets, gold, and real estate. For instance, in June 2024, SOFAZ announced a plan to invest US$100 million in Dubai-based GEMS Education, a leading private education provider. Additionally, in 2025, the fund invested in Italian rail operator Italo - Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori S.p.A through a fund vehicle led by U.S.-based Global Infrastructure Partners, which is part of BlackRock. These strategic investments reflect SOFAZ's commitment to balancing financial performance with Azerbaijan's long-term national interests.

SOFAZ's commitment to transparency and accountability has been recognized internationally. In 2019, the Peterson Institute for International Economics ranked SOFAZ as the fifth most transparent sovereign wealth fund globally, with a score of 92 out of 100. This ranking underscores the fund's dedication to maintaining high standards of governance and public trust.

Overall, SOFAZ plays a crucial role in managing Azerbaijan's oil and gas revenues, ensuring that these resources contribute to the nation's economic stability and development both now and in the future.