As we approach the close of 2024, we reflect on a year of impactful investments and strategic progresses. To date, we successfully executed ten investments in 2024, aligning strongly with our strategic objectives of promoting sustainable economic growth, creating quality jobs, fostering market development in emerging and frontier markets and contributing to mitigating climate change. Each investment has been a step toward addressing systemic challenges and unlocking opportunities for underserved populations through innovative and inclusive solutions.

Looking Back: Key Achievements

Our investments this year have spanned diverse sectors and geographies, consistently targeting scalable businesses that generate both financial returns and significant developmental impact. Notable highlights include:

• Supporting digital transformation and financial inclusion to bring underserved communities into the formal economy.
• Partnering with innovative private equity funds to address structural barriers in financial access and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Driving investments in climate mitigation and the just energy transition, enabling businesses and communities to adopt greener, more sustainable energy solutions. These efforts contribute to combating climate change while fostering economic resilience.
• Strengthening our collaborative approach with other development finance institutions (DFIs) and their European organization in view of catalyzing private capital for impactful development, especially in regions facing acute financing gaps.

These accomplishments reaffirm our commitment to addressing global challenges, as DFIs take on an increasingly critical role in a world where aid budgets are under pressure, and isolationist trends are emerging among many nations.

Looking Ahead: 2025–2028 Strategic Adjustments

As we transition into 2025, SIFEM is poised to refine its strategy to address evolving global realities and align with the 2025 – 2028 objectives set by the Federal Council. The challenges ahead—shifting geopolitical dynamics, climate risks, and economic inequalities—highlight the increasing importance of DFIs. By prioritizing collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, we aim to continue leveraging private initiatives for development, fostering sustainable and inclusive growth, promoting resilience in emerging markets, and intensifying our focus on climate-smart investments.

We extend our gratitude to our partners, stakeholders, and the broader community for their unwavering support. Together, we can navigate the complexities of the global landscape and build a brighter, more inclusive future.

Here’s to a purposeful and impactful 2025!

Sincerely,
Jörg Frieden,
Chairman of the Board of SIFEM