Proparco

What is Proparco?

PROPARCO is a subsidiary of the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) group dedicated to private sector development, operating since 1977. Focused on sustainable economic, social, and environmental development, PROPARCO invests in companies and financial institutions in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The firm prioritizes sectors crucial for development, with an emphasis on infrastructure (particularly renewable energies), agribusiness, financial institutions, health, and education.

PROPARCO's mission is to strengthen the private sector's contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the international community in 2015. By financing businesses that create jobs and decent incomes, provide essential goods and services, and combat climate change, they are driving forward inclusive growth.

The range of financial tools offered by PROPARCO reflects their commitment to supporting both small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and larger projects, with minimum investment thresholds as low as $1,000 and a maximum cap at $52,000,000, although they frequently engage in investments around $10,000.

They have a comprehensive approach that includes direct funding, fund of funds investments, and technical support.

With their broad regional coverage, they invest in a diverse spectrum of industries from agriculture and energy to digital startups, while also addressing social concerns such as gender equality and access to education and health services. Their strategy aligns with broader goals such as climate action, ensuring their investments lead to sustainable and measurable impacts on development. PROPARCO's online resources, such as the Sector Private & Development magazine, offer insights into their activities and impact, while their various programs, like the Choose Africa initiative, specifically target the growth of SMEs across African nations.