Energy and Climate

A stable supply of electricity drives development and is vital to the creation of jobs and the reduction of poverty. This also links to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy. Since 2014 Swedfund only invests in renewable energy. By investing in systems that enable solar, wind or hydro power to be used to generate electricity, we help lay the ground for these countries to build their own prosperity in a sustainable way.

The Energy & Climate sector also includes broader climate-related investments such as energy efficiency improvements and projects relating to water and sanitation. We have established that there are significant needs and opportunities for us to make a difference in this area, particularly with regard to our targets on gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Financial Inclusion 

Small and medium-sized businesses account for the majority of jobs in developing economies and are therefore a driver in the economic and social development of these countries. The lack of financing is one of the most limiting factors for these companies’ ability to grow.

Swedfund endeavours to contribute to a financial sector that is inclusive and that includes both small and medium-sized businesses and low earners, women and people living in poverty. Swedfund’s investments help increase financing and lending to companies and entrepreneurs.

We invest in two different ways. Partly, through investments in financial institutions, mainly banks that provide financing to many small and medium-sized businesses, and microfinance institutions that provide microloans to entrepreneurs and small businesses and to low earners that use these loans for training, housing and other purposes. Partly, we invest through different types of funds that help us reach more people, businesses and countries. In many poor countries Swedfund, together with other development finance institutions, accounts for a significant share of the capital available for the financing of small and medium-sized businesses.

Health

Around 400 million people in developing countries have no access to primary health care, and the quality of care is often low. This is due in part to the significant lack of qualified doctors and medical personnel, infrastructure and medications. Only three percent of the world’s doctors work in Africa. Investment in health care is vital for the development of society as it generates significant development effects for both the sector and the country in question.

Expanding and increasing the range of available health care not only increases its availability for patients, it also gives specialist doctors the opportunity to work in their home countries. Private-sector healthcare companies play a vital role in this development.

Swedfund and other development finance institutions can, together with private-sector operators, lead this progress by raising the quality of care, offering skilled jobs and developing subcontractors.