BIO

BIO, the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries, is a development finance institution established in 2001 to support private sector growth in developing and emerging countries. Operating as an instrument of the Belgian Development Cooperation, BIO aims to promote sustainable development and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The institution provides long-term financing to financial institutions, enterprises, and private infrastructure projects, offering tailored financial products such as equity, quasi-equity, debt, and guarantees at market conditions. Additionally, BIO finances technical assistance programs and feasibility studies to enhance the impact of its investments. BIO's investment strategy focuses on sectors including agribusiness, infrastructure, and financial services, with a commitment to supporting projects that balance return on investment with development impact. The institution operates in regions often overlooked by commercial banks due to high-risk factors, thereby playing a catalytic role in fostering economic growth and job creation. As of 2017, BIO's assets under management were valued at €887.2 million, reflecting its significant role in development finance. The institution is a member of the European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI), collaborating with other European DFIs to strengthen their relationship with the European Union and international financial institutions.

Projects must align with BIO's mission to promote sustainable development and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)., Investments should be in developing and emerging countries, focusing on sectors such as agribusiness, infrastructure, and financial services., Projects must demonstrate a balance between return on investment and development impact, with a commitment to environmental, social, and governance standards., BIO operates in regions often overlooked by commercial banks due to high-risk factors, aiming to support projects that foster economic growth and job creation.