Authorizations and exposure

• BIO can provide direct loans to companies:
• Tenors typically between 3 and 10 years, with a maximum grace period of 3 years
• Loans are available in EUR, USD, and some local currencies
• Investment can be made in EUR and USD, but also in local currencies on a case-by-case basis
• BIO can also provide quasi-equity financing (mezzanine capital, subordinated loans, convertible loans, etc.) to strengthen the financial resources of up-and-coming companies, without diluting the position of its shareholders

• BIO may provide direct investments in mature or startup companies:
• BIO is always a minority investor
• Generally, investment requires a seat on board of directors

• Guarantees
• BIO can co-finance feasibility studies or technical assistance projects through the form of grants
• Offered to companies registered and operating in BIO’s intervention countries

• Home How we invest 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

• BIO supports financial institutions, investment funds, private sector companies (with a particular focus on the food industry), and infrastructure projects

• Any request for financing must be accompanied by a business plan

• BIO uses its ex-ante development assessment tool to structure and document the development rationale of any given investment

• 2023: European DFIs reinforce co-financing platform with an extra EUR 680 million

• 2022: BIO joins IFC and SIMA in launching solar green bond for small and medium solar developers in Africa