BIO and DEG join forces in infrastructure and enterprise projects, worth 120 million euros.
The Belgian and German development banks BIO (Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries) and DEG (Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft) have already been working together on the joint financing of infrastructure and enterprise projects for many years.
While in the past, this usually happened on an ad hoc
basis, both parties have now formally signed a cooperation agreement on
24th May 2019 to increase the volume and number of joint financings and
to improve the impact and efficiency of the development support provided
to the private sector in developing countries.
“DEG is delighted to see its partnership with BIO evolve even further. It matches our ambition to enhance our infrastructure and enterprise investments in developing countries.”
Dr. Peter Thimme, Director of Business Innovation and Syndication at DEG
To this end BIO has allocated an amount of 60 million Euros for joint financings over the next three years; DEG allocates a similar amount. DEG will take the lead in this joint venture and offer BIO the opportunity to share the risk in potential investment opportunities that meet BIO’s eligibility criteria. This agreement covers long-term debt financing for both private infrastructure projects and private enterprises.
“By cooperating in this manner, we can improve the impact and the efficiency of our support of private sector development in our target countries.”
Luuk Zonneveld, CEO of BIO
More info:
For BIO:
Ben Jehaes
Manager External Relations
ben.jehaes@bio-invest.be
For DEG:
Barbara Schrahe-Timera
Manager Corporate Communications
presse@deginvest.de
More news
BIO reaffirms commitment to Women's Economic Empowerment through the 2X Challenge
22-09-2026
Across emerging markets, millions of women continue to face barriers to accessing finance, growing businesses and participating fully in the economy. Yet we know that when women thrive, economies become stronger, businesses perform better and communities become more resilient.
Read more
2025 Annual Report: Scaling Impact Where It Matters Most
15-06-2026
We are pleased to announce the publication of our 2025 Annual Report—marking a year of strong growth, sharper focus, and deepened impact across our priority markets.
Read more
Renewable energy as a driver of industrial growth: Insights from BIO at EAIF 2026
02-06-2026
Organised by the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE), the Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) 2026 successfully concluded in Nairobi, Kenya, from 21 to 24 April 2026, bringing together more than 800 on‑site participants.
Read more