About Finnfund
Finnfund: Investing in Responsible and Profitable Businesses in Developing Countries
Finnfund is a Finnish development finance company that invests in responsible and profitable businesses in developing countries. With a mission to promote sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction, and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Finnfund provides capital, mezzanine financing, or long-term loans to companies that operate in sectors such as renewable energy, forestry, agriculture, healthcare, education, and financial services.
Founded in 1980 as an independent public limited company owned by the Finnish state and private sector institutions such as banks and insurance companies, Finnfund has over 40 years of experience in investing in emerging markets. The company's portfolio consists of more than 200 investments across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America-Caribbean regions with a total value of over €800 million.
Finnfund's investment strategy is based on three pillars: impact investing for sustainable development; financial sustainability for long-term profitability; and risk management for responsible investment. By combining these pillars with its expertise in environmental and social due diligence (ESDD) assessments based on international standards such as IFC Performance Standards or Equator Principles III Frameworks), Finnfund aims to create positive impact while generating attractive returns for its investors.
One of Finnfund's key focus areas is renewable energy. The company has invested heavily in solar power projects across Africa where access to electricity remains low but demand is high. For example, Finnfund has financed several solar power plants including Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro Power Plant (Zambia), Cabeólica Wind Farm (Cape Verde), Gigawatt Global Solar Power Plant (Rwanda), among others. These projects have not only increased access to clean energy but also created jobs locally while reducing carbon emissions.
Another area where Finnfund invests is forestry which plays a crucial role both economically and environmentally in many developing countries. Finnfund has invested in sustainable forestry projects such as Mekong Timber Plantations (Laos), Green Resources (Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique), and Form Ghana (Ghana). These investments have contributed to the preservation of natural forests, the creation of jobs, and the production of timber for local and international markets.
Finnfund also supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have a positive impact on their communities. For example, Finnfund has invested in companies such as Jibu (Uganda) which provides affordable clean water to low-income households through franchising; Sanergy (Kenya) which offers sanitation solutions for urban slums; and Kasha (Rwanda) which provides e-commerce platforms for women's health products.
In addition to its investment activities, Finnfund also works closely with its partners including other development finance institutions, governments, NGOs, and private sector companies to promote sustainable development. For example, Finnfund is a member of several networks such as the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), or Climate Investor One that aim to advance responsible investment practices globally.
Overall, Finnfund is a leading player in responsible investing that combines financial sustainability with social impact. With its expertise in emerging markets and commitment to sustainable development goals, Finnfund is well-positioned to contribute significantly towards creating a better future for all.