How we invest

BIO invests directly and indirectly in SMEs in emerging and developing countries and structurally contributes to their socio-economic growth.

How we invest

BIO handles each investment project with the utmost care and confidentiality. The duration of the investment process varies on a case by case basis.

Please go to the "Apply for Investment" section to find a detailed description of the process, as well as all documents you need to apply for funding or grants.

Our geographical scope

Our geographical scope

BIO invests in Least Developed Countries, Low Income Countries, and Lower-middle Income Countries (i.e. the OECD's DAC-list). BIO can also invest in upper middle-income countries and pays particular attention to the partner countries of the Belgian Development Cooperation and to less developed countries.

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Our investment strategy

Our investment strategy

The 2024-2028 Investment Strategy follows the main priorities of the 2024-2028 management contract in terms of impact, operational scope and principles, and risk and return expectations. It will be implemented alongside the framework of BIO’s law of 03/11/2001, lastly modified by the law of 25/10/2018, and of the third management contract dated 22/12/2023.

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BIO Development Goals

BIO Development Goals

BIO uses its ex-ante development assessment tool to structure and document the development rationale of any given investment. This is done by judging how the investment will score on the BIO Development Goals (BDGs).

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