The Project Accelerator

We work in partnership with project owners in developing countries, based on local needs and priorities. 

A shortage of well-prepared projects in developing countries limits investments in critical infrastructure such as electricity, water, transport and digital connectivity.

The Project Accelerator contributes to making more projects financially viable by strengthening project quality and decision-making foundations. Improved infrastructure can, in turn, support growth, trade and resilience.

The Project Accelerator tailors its support to each project, based on the needs and capacity of the local project owner. We typically engage early in the development process and work closely with the project owner to design projects that enable sustainable solutions and investments.

Our approach includes:

• Early engagement to define the project scope together with the project owner
• Studies and analyses, such as technical and financial feasibility studies, as well as environmental and social assessments
• Capacity building to strengthen the ability to procure, implement and manage investments
• Preparation for financing by aligning projects with investor requirements
• Follow-up through continued support across different project phases

Studies are carried out in partnership with international consultants, procured through competitive processes in line with local legislation and international standards. Project activities are complemented by senior advisors with sector expertise, contributing to knowledge transfer and long-term capacity building.

The core partnership is between Swedfund and the local project owner, ensuring local ownership and long-term relevance.

We also collaborate with Team Sweden actors, including embassies, Business Sweden, Sida, EKN and SEK, as well as development banks and other international partners to identify projects and enable implementation.

The Project Accelerator develops projects that can attract financing from sources such as export credit solutions, development banks and private investors.

By acting as a bridge between development cooperation, trade and investment, the Project Accelerator contributes to inclusive growth and the green transition. It also creates opportunities for companies to participate in competitive procurement processes.

We operate in regions with significant investment needs, with a focus on low-income countries and economically vulnerable markets. Our main portfolio is in Africa and Asia, with an increasing focus on Moldova and Ukraine.

• Circular solutions – water and wastewater treatment, waste management, biofuels, energy recovery
• Digitalisation – connectivity, security and trust, 5G Toolbox
• Green energy – power grids, transmission, renewable energy and energy storage
• Sustainable transport – urban transport, rail and transport systems
• Health and healthcare – oncology, healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical production

We support projects with the potential to contribute to sustainable societal development, in line with the 2030 Agenda.

When assessing projects, we consider:

• potential to increase access to critical infrastructure
• alignment with national and regional priorities
• ability to attract financing
• the capacity of the local project owner
• contribution to the 2030 Agenda and Swedfund’s mandate
• potential to involve sustainable solutions from Swedish companies

If you have any questions, please contact us at pa@swedfund.se

The Project Accelerator regularly engages senior advisors with relevant expertise. Expressions of interest can be sent to pa@swedfund.se