African Rivers Fund IV
Introduction
African Rivers Fund IV provides financing through loans to small and medium-sized enterprises in central and eastern Africa. Investments are mainly made in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Angola and Zambia in sectors such as retail and wholesale trade, logistics and healthcare.
Swedfund's investment enables SMEs to access long-term financing, which benefits their growth and resilience, and contributes to the sustainable development of the private sector in critical sectors such as healthcare and logistics.
Co-investors include IFC, Norfund, FMO, BIO, BII and SIFEM.
Read more in our press release: Investing for continued support to SMEs in Central and East Africa
Facts
SDG in Focus
No Poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Reduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
Sector
Financial Inclusion
Financial Inclusion invests in, amongst others, regulated banks and microfinance institutions to reach out more broadly and effectively.
Value creation
Our Impact
The investment contributes to private sector development in low income countries in Africa, increased access to finance through loans and capacity building of SMEs, as well as jobs and other income-generating opportunities locally.
ESG
We are working closely with the fund manager to further develop their environmental and social management system to address issues related to sustainability processes. We are also working closely with the fund manager to strengthen their anti-corruption management system.
Additionality
Our investment is financially additional as it is made in a high-risk context where access to capital is limited and poverty rates are high, and in that it is expected to contribute to mobilising capital. The investment is value additional through a strong focus on active value creation during the investment phase, where environmental, sustainability and corporate governance issues are prioritised.