Norfund

Norfund is the Norwegian Investment Fund for developing countries, owned and funded by the Norwegian Government. It acts as the government's primary tool for fostering sustainable businesses that generate employment and alleviate poverty in developing nations. The fund operates on commercial terms as a responsible minority investor, forging strong partnerships to realize its mission. It actively seeks solutions specifically tailored to the unique contexts of the countries where it invests, leveraging its local presence to maximize impact. Norfund aims to create jobs, improve lives, and support the transition to net zero in its investment activities. The fund's overall mandate, as defined by the Norfund Act of 1997, is to contribute to the development of sustainable businesses and industries in developing countries by providing equity capital and other forms of risk capital. Norfund strategically focuses on countries and investment areas where it can have a significant impact and where its development contribution is likely to be substantial. This includes being willing to assume more risk than many other investors, particularly in regions where capital is scarce and perceived risk is high. Norfund prioritizes direct equity investments but also utilizes loans and fund investments. It actively adds non-financial value to its investments through expertise and active ownership, enhancing both the profitability and development impact of its portfolio companies. Norfund invests in companies that contribute to economic and social development through direct and indirect job creation, the provision of essential goods and services, and the payment of taxes. Through its Climate Investment Fund, Norfund supports the transition to net zero by investing in renewable energy projects in emerging markets and developing countries with significant emissions from fossil fuel-based energy production. In addition to its core development and climate mandates, Norfund has a dedicated mandate to support the resilience and reconstruction of Ukraine through investments in sustainable businesses. The fund's activities are concentrated in 30 core investment countries, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa, with additional investments in selected countries in Asia and Latin America. Its climate mandate focuses on 13 core countries in North and Southern Africa, and in South and Southeast Asia.

Renewable Energy, Financial Inclusion, Scalable Enterprises, Green Infrastructure

Core thematic spaces, technologies, and target market segments of interest.