WASHINGTON, 23 October 2024– Fifteen European Development Finance Institutions grouped under the Association of European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI) have signed today, in Washington, two separate affiliate partnership arrangements with the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and FinDev Canada, marking a breakthrough in global cooperation among development finance institutions.
In a ceremony held this morning at DFC offices, EDFI Board Chair Luuk Zonneveld, DFC CEO Scott Nathan, and FinDev Canada CEO Lori Kerr signed EDFI affiliate partnership letters. The event was witnessed by CEOs from EDFI member institutions, underscoring the great benefits anticipated to flow from this collaborative effort.
Strengthening Global Development Finance
Set for a one-year period, the affiliate partnerships will aim to bolster the global reach of US, Canadian and European Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to enhance their collective contribution in support of sustainable development and global stability, in line with the public mandates they each serve. They also will seek to boost chances for better mobilization of private finance for development, improved operational efficiency, and alignment with sustainable finance regulatory frameworks.
Emphasizing the significance of these new affiliate partnerships, Luuk Zonneveld said, "We share a common vision of development finance. By working together with FinDev Canada and DFC, we collectively strengthen our contribution to sustainable development and global stability.”
DFC CEO Scott Nathan commented: “Today's announcement demonstrates DFC's commitment to cooperation with like-minded peer institutions. By leveraging our strengths in pursuit of shared objectives, DFC and its partners can effectively multiply our impact and reach.”
FinDev Canada’s Kerr added: “As DFIs, we all share a common goal of working with and through the private sector to drive development in emerging markets and developing economies. These agreements encourage us to learn from one another and share best practices, and identify opportunities for collaboration and innovation. As a community, bilateral DFIs are a critical part of the international financial architecture and are well-positioned to do more to effect even greater development through the private sector."
Cooperation among DFIs is part of a growing trend
The two affiliate partnerships reflect a growing tendency among the development finance community towards greater international cooperation.
Zonneveld concluded: “As the global development finance landscape evolves, partnerships like these play a crucial role in addressing complex challenges. By working together, we can bring more ideas and more efficiently deploy resources to strengthen growth in developing countries.”
For more information, contact:
EDFI: James Pieper, Communications, james.pieper@edfi.edu, +32 490 16 76 67
US DFC: Christopher Bull, Public Affairs, Press@DFC.gov, +1 (202) 312-2188.
FinDev Canada: David Bhamjee, Strategy & Engagement, dbhamjee@findevcanada.ca, +1 (613) 852-4042
About EDFI
The Association of European Development Finance Institutions, or EDFI, was established in 1992 to support and promote the work of bilateral Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). With a combined portfolio of €53 billion, including over €15 billion of climate finance, EDFI’s 15 member institutions share a vision of a world where the private sector offers people in low- and middle-income countries opportunities for decent work and improved lives, and where private investment flows are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. EDFI’s mission is to promote the joint interests of its members, inform policy, and drive innovation in industry standards. Learn more at www.edfi.eu
EDFI membership: Full members: BII (United Kingdom), BIO (Belgium), Cofides (Spain), DEG (Germany), Finnfund (Finland), FMO (The Netherlands), IFU (Denmark), Norfund (Norway), OeEB (Austria), Proparco (France), SIFEM (Switzerland), Simest and CDP Development Finance (Italy), SOFID (Portugal), and Swedfund (Sweden).
About FinDev Canada
FinDev Canada is Canada’s bilateral Development Finance Institution (DFI), supporting development through the private sector. We provide financing, investment, and blended finance solutions, as well as technical assistance and knowledge, to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Paris Agreement commitments. FinDev Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Export Development Canada (EDC). Find out more about FinDev Canada at www.findevcanada.ca.
About the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is America's development finance institution. DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and small business and financial services. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.