ASEAN Frontier Markets Fund (AFMF)
Introduction
ASEAN Frontiers Market Fund targets growth-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises in Southeast Asia to contribute to economic development. Investments are mainly made in Cambodia and Laos.
Swedfund's investment gives small and medium-sized enterprises access to growth capital in countries where this is scarce. The investment contributes to job creation and sustainable private sector development, including by promoting gender equality, climate change resilience, strengthened sustainability standards and financial inclusion.
Co-investors include Norfund, FMO, DEG and IFC.
Read more in our press release: Swedfund invests USD 10 million in the ASEAN Frontier Markets Fund (AFMF) to promote job creation in Cambodia and Laos
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.
Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Sector
Sustainable Enterprises
The Sustainable Enterprises sector increases the availability of equity directly or indirectly, contributing to the sustainable development and growth of the private sector in developing countries.
Value creation
Our Impact
The investment promotes local economic growth by increasing access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, the investment is expected to contribute to job creation and other income-generating opportunities locally. The investment also contributes to women's economic empowerment by providing financing to women.
ESG
We are working closely with the fund manager to develop their environmental and social management system to address issues related to human rights and gender equality. 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 challenging, high-risk context where access to capital is limited, the business environment is difficult, and poverty rates are high. The investment is expected to contribute to mobilising capital. The investment is value additional through a strong focus on active value creation during the investment phase, prioritising environmental, sustainability and corporate governance issues.