Our impact
BIO invests directly and indirectly in SMEs in developing countries and makes a structural contribution to the socio-economic growth of those host countries.
Development and Sustainability Report
Development and sustainability are BIO's main mission and principal mandate.
This report illustrates, to its shareholder and the Belgian people, to everybody concerned with international solidarity, where and how BIO invests its tax money and seeks to improve people’s lives. This report gives civil society an opportunity to look at the issues of impact and effect more closely, at BIO’s commitment to promoting best practices in order to pave the way for a better future, and its contribution to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Strategic Impact Framework
The primary purpose of BIO’s Theory of Change (ToC) is to provide external stakeholders with a better understanding of BIO’s activities and ultimate contribution to the SDGs.
The ToC 2024 2028 integrates the Strategic Impact Targets (SITs) within the description of the outputs (tangible, immediate effects that result from the activities that are undertaken). Outputs fall within BIO’s sphere of control, unlike outcomes and ultimate impact, that rather fall within BIO’s scope of influenc
Theory of Change
The Theory of Change (ToC) has a purpose to provide a comprehensive description of BIO’s contribution to the 2030 agenda. BIO’s ToC has been completely revised to integrate the SDGs and sets out the logic of BIO interventions, by outlining linkages between inputs, outputs, outcomes and finally (expected) development impacts, i.e. inclusive and sustainable economic growth, in line with SDG1.
Operating Principles for Impact Management - Disclosure
BIO hereby affirms its status as a Signatory to the Operating Principles for Impact Management.
E&S and Decent Work
Successful sustainability outcomes depend on joint efforts from BIO, its clients and often third parties. The E&S Strategy and Policy presents BIO’s environmental and social commitments, the principles we apply and how they are translated into our investment process and operational activities. Also presented is BIO's Decent Work policy.
Human rights-based approach
BIO's Human Rights-Based Approach details its commitment to human rights in investments. Grounded in international standards it aims to integrate human rights into all operations, complementing existing Decent Work, Gender, and Climate policies.
Gender
The Belgian Development Cooperation regards gender equality as a matter of fundamental human rights and of social justice and integrates it as a transversal topic in its policies, strategies and actions.
Climate Change
One of BIO’s missions is to Support Climate and Ecological Sustainability of Private Entrepreneurship in Emerging and Developing Markets
BDSF
Through grants from the Business Development Support Fund, BIO co-finances Technical Assistance (TA), Feasibility Studies (FS) and Investment Support for innovative SMEs
Evaluation
BIO's 2024-28 management contract aims to assess development and sustainability impact at both strategic and project levels. It is from this renewed ambition that BIO's new evaluation plan originates.
