Access to financing

In developing countries, it is often difficult for companies and SMEs in particular to obtain financing. Despite their great growth potential, many of them face financial constraints. That is why SECO works to promote access to financing for companies so they can invest, tap into new markets, grow and create decent employment opportunities.

In order to achieve these goals, SECO takes a number of different approaches:

Providing capital

SECO provides capital to companies through the Swiss Investment Fund for Emerging Markets (SIFEM), the development finance institution of the Swiss Confederation, and through the SECO Start-up Fund.


SECO is supporting financial institutions in providing loans that take environmental, social and governance factors into account.


Triggering reforms

SECO supports efforts to reform local framework conditions and create new financial products. It also enables companies to access innovative financial technologies.

Promoting gender equality

Financial services should be equally accessible to both men and women. This is why SECO promotes financial products tailored to the specific needs of female entrepreneurs and businesswomen.

Financing SDGs on a sustainable basis

SECO is committed to mobilising private capital to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To this end, it has joined the partner network of Swiss Sustainable Finance (SSF), the association for sustainability in the financial sector. Since the 2000s, SECO has been committed to impact investments. Another key approach employed by SECO is the use of green bonds to drive climate financing in emerging economies.

Mobilising capital for infrastructure

SECO mobilises knowledge and capital for sustainable infrastructure services in areas such as mobility, water and energy. For the private sector to be competitive and create jobs, an effective, climate-resilient infrastructure is crucial. In developing countries, the public sector often lacks the funds to finance infrastructures projects on its own and actors do not have sufficient knowledge on infrastructure financing. That is why partnerships with the private sector are important.

Last modification 04.03.2024

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