Driving sustainable Infrastructure forward: BIO Brings Belgian businesses together to explore global opportunities

The transition to a low-carbon and resilient economy requires unprecedented investment in sustainable infrastructure. From renewable energy and digital connectivity to transport and climate-resilient systems, infrastructure will play a central role in achieving both economic growth and sustainable development worldwide.

Against this backdrop, BIO Invest recently welcomed Belgian entrepreneurs, industry representatives and institutional partners to its headquarters for an evening dedicated to international opportunities in sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy. Organised in collaboration with FIT, AWEX and hub.brussels, the event created a platform for dialogue between public and private sector stakeholders interested in engaging in transformative projects across emerging and developing markets.

Connecting Belgian expertise with global opportunities

As Belgium's development finance institution, BIO invests in private sector development across Africa, Asia and Latin America, with a growing focus on climate action and sustainable infrastructure. The event aimed to demonstrate how Belgian companies can  can work with BIO to contribute to its’ goals of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Participants gained a deeper understanding of BIO's investment approach, and the role development finance institutions can play in mobilizing private capital toward projects that address infrastructure gaps, support climate objectives and strengthen local economies.

In his opening remarks, BIO CEO Joris Totté highlighted the importance of partnerships in meeting global infrastructure needs and accelerating the energy transition. He also presented BIO's activities and growing infrastructure portfolio, emphasizing how the institution works alongside investors, developers and businesses to deliver long-term development impact.

Understanding the Global Gateway opportunity

A key focus of the evening was the European Union's Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to mobilize investments in quality and sustainable infrastructure around the world.

Participants heard from Eric Willemaers, Global Gateway Lead and Director ECO4 at the Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, who introduced the Team Belgium Investment Hub and explained how Belgian companies can leverage the Global Gateway framework to identify opportunities and strengthen their international presence.

The presentation highlighted how collaboration between governments, development finance institutions and private sector actors can unlock large-scale investments in areas such as renewable energy, transport infrastructure, digital networks and climate adaptation. Attendees also gained practical insights into the support mechanisms available to Belgian businesses wishing to engage in these projects.

BIO and Global Gateway

During the evening, Joris Totté explained how BIO can contribute to Global Gateway objectives through its investments in sustainable infrastructure, climate finance and private sector development. Participants learned how BIO can support projects that generate both development impact and commercial viability while remaining fully aligned with its mandate. 

A key message throughout the event was that BIO does not directly finance Belgian companies. However, numerous opportunities for collaboration exist when Belgian companies invest in or contribute to projects in BIO's partner countries. Examples include renewable energy developments, digital infrastructure, telecoms, climate-related investments and other sustainable infrastructure projects where Belgian expertise can create added value and development impact. 

The discussions also highlighted how BIO can leverage its investment expertise, local market knowledge, international network and access to European financial instruments to help structure and mobilise financing for projects that contribute to the goals of the Global Gateway initiative.

A case study in renewable energy

To illustrate how this approach works in practice, attendees were presented with a case study highlighting BIO's involvement in a wind energy project in Ukraine.

Presented by Jan Lemaitre, Senior Investment Officer at BIO, the case demonstrated how development finance can support the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure while strengthening energy security and economic resilience. The project offered a tangible example of how public and private actors can collaborate to deliver sustainable infrastructure in complex environments.

The discussion also underscored the broader importance of renewable energy investments as countries seek to diversify energy sources, reduce emissions and improve access to reliable power.

Building partnerships for Impact

Beyond the presentations, the event provided valuable networking opportunities for participants to exchange experiences, discuss potential partnerships and explore concrete investment opportunities.

The strong engagement throughout the evening reflected a growing interest among Belgian businesses in international sustainable infrastructure projects and highlighted the important role they can play in addressing global development challenges.

As demand for renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and digital connectivity continues to rise, cooperation between the private sector, development finance institutions and public stakeholders will be essential.

By bringing these actors together, BIO aims to foster new connections and help channel Belgian expertise toward projects that not only support business growth but also contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.