SIFEM AG: Successful Financial Year 2024
Bern, April 30, 2025 — On April 30, 2025, the Swiss Federal Council approved the 2024 annual report of the Swiss Investment Fund for Emerging Markets (SIFEM AG). In 2024, SIFEM achieved its highest investment volume since its inception, while administrative costs decreased by 10 percent. The strategic targets set by the Federal Council for the year were successfully met.
SIFEM is the Swiss government’s development finance institution. It provides financing to promising and sustainably operating companies in developing and emerging economies, thereby contributing to the creation of decent jobs and the reduction of poverty.
Highlights of the 2024 financial year include a record investment volume of USD 173.0 million, the mobilization of USD 36.2 million in private capital, a 10% reduction in administrative costs to CHF 9.3 million compared to the previous year, and an operating profit of CHF 35.7 million. These strong results are particularly noteworthy in light of the organizational realignment in 2023, ongoing geopolitical risks in target countries, and declining levels of foreign direct investment in developing and emerging markets.
SIFEM has a broad development impact, supporting over 600 companies across more than 75 countries. In 2024, its investments helped create and maintain 11,500 jobs. Additionally, 23 percent of investments were allocated to climate-related projects, 46 percent supported women's economic empowerment, and 11 percent of the active portfolio was invested in the world’s poorest countries.
SIFEM’s risk management system complies fully with the requirements of the Swiss Code of Obligations and was deemed appropriate by the external auditor. An audit conducted by the Swiss Federal Audit Office in 2024 confirmed the adequacy of risk management at the operational level. However, it recommended further development at the corporate level. Full implementation of this recommendation is planned by mid-2025 and will be subject to an external audit by the end of 2026.