Description:Norfund, officially known as The Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries, operates as a state-owned entity under the auspices of the Norwegian Government. It functions as an essential instrument in furthering Norwegian development policies, with a mission centered on reducing poverty and fostering economic development in some of the world's poorest nations. To achieve this, Norfund strategically invests in profitable businesses and facilitates the transfer of vital knowledge and technology.
The funding mechanisms employed by Norfund include both equity and debt capital, with the organization consistently taking a financial minority position in collaboration with various partners, be they international or Norwegian. The primary focus of Norfund's investments lies in the clean energy sector, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development. Moreover, Norfund stands as Norway’s largest investor in microfinance through the Norwegian Microfinance Initiative (NMI) and is recognized as a key investor in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by utilizing regional funds and making direct investments.
Norfund’s geographical engagement predominantly targets Sub-Saharan Africa, where it maintains three regional offices located in Nairobi, Cape Town, and Accra. In addition to its activities in Africa, Norfund also extends its investment efforts to selected countries across Asia and Latin America, with regional offices situated in Costa Rica and Bangkok. The organization prioritizes hiring local staff within the regions it operates, fostering a diverse workforce that currently represents 15 different nationalities. Through these initiatives, Norfund exemplifies a committed approach to sustainable investment in developing economies.