To support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in emerging and frontier markets, BlueOrchard, in partnership with Schroders, CDC (the UK’s development finance institution), DFC (U.S. International Development Finance Corporation), and JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), has launched the “BlueOrchard Covid-19 Emerging and Frontier Markets MSME Support Fund”. KfW, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is currently in due diligence stage and intends to join the circle of investors.
The Fund will be further equipped with a dedicated Technical Assistance Facility supported by SECO (Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs) to fast track the recovery of MSMEs even in the most vulnerable sectors and geographies.
The wide-ranging impact of the Covid-19 pandemic threatens to undo decades of progress made toward reducing poverty and inequality globally. Whereas Government support has been swift in most developed markets, it has largely been absent in emerging and frontier markets when it comes to supporting entrepreneurs and setting up effective support and recovery programmes.
Though many financial institutions have weathered the current crisis without major disruption, others need support in order to keep financing MSMEs, which build the backbone of developing countries in terms of economic growth and employment. During these times, pioneering impact investors like BlueOrchard have a key role to play in ensuring that these businesses in developing countries are not left behind.
The Fund qualifies under the the 2X Challenge criteria — a commitment by the development finance institutions of the G7 to mobilise USD 3 billion by 2020 toward investments that support women’s economic empowerment in emerging markets.
Philipp Müller, BlueOrchard’s CEO, said: “Unprecedented times require decisive action and innovators who go ahead. We are very thankful and proud that we successfully brought together a renowned group of public and private actors at record speed to support those most in need. For 20 years, we remain true to our mission to reduce poverty and inequality globally. The impact of the pandemic has made our conviction even stronger.”
Maria Teresa Zappia, BlueOrchard’s Chief Impact and Blended Finance Officer & Deputy CEO said: “We thank our partners for their resolve and support for a key facility which will allow mitigating some of the challenges of the pandemic and we are proud of this remarkable collaborative effort of our teams across the globe.”
Schroders’ Group Chief Executive, Peter Harrison, commented:
“It is action rather than words that will help us deliver a more sustainable future for businesses, our clients and society.”
“At times like these tangible action is more important than ever. This fund is a clear demonstration of our efforts to make a real impact.”
“Emerging and frontier markets are being hit disproportionately hard by the impact of Covid-19: the significant amount of capital raised already by this fund will make a vital difference to businesses which are providing key support to these economies.”
Nick O’Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer, CDC Group, said: “We are pleased to have played a key anchor role in the Fund, enabling it to reach this timely launch. The Fund will deploy capital at scale to make a marked difference for millions of small entrepreneurs and support many more livelihoods in markets that have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. In these current times, it is vital that financial support is made available to help preserve, strengthen and assist MSMEs to rebuild, in order to contribute to the long-term growth and economic stability in emerging markets.”
“We are pleased to collaborate with BlueOrchard and other partners to address this challenge for frontier and emerging markets,” said DFC CEO Adam Boehler. “By providing capital to institutions that serve micro, small and medium-sized business, we help stabilize industries, safeguard jobs, and speed recovery.”
KITAOKA Shinichi, JICA President, said: “One of our missions is to achieve Human Security. Its core is to ensure everyone the right to live in dignity. In pursuit of our mission, JICA is working to build more resilient societies that enable the protection of people’s lives under the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of our efforts, JICA has joined the BlueOrchard Covid-19 Fund. In partnership with BlueOrchard, we have supported about 120,000 MSMEs mostly owned by women entrepreneurs in Asia through the Japan ASEAN Women Empowerment Fund since 2016. I believe that the financial opportunities offered by this fund to MSMEs in low- and middle-income countries will enable their fast recovery from the Covid-19 crisis and future growth.”
Liliana de Sá Kirchknopf, Head of Private Sector Development, SECO, said: “The Covid-19 Support Fund is an initiative aiming to provide much needed liquidity to financial institutions serving MSMEs in emerging markets. SECO supports the initiative via a dedicated Technical Assistance Facility that will assess the impact of liquidity financing at financial institution and MSME level during the stabilization and recovery phase. This will generate valuable market data that will be shared as public good to ensure lessons learned on MSMEs’ needs at time of crisis can improve the response and fulfilment of financing needs in future market turbulences.”
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For further information, please contact:
Tahmina Theis
+41 22 596 47 69
tahmina.theis@blueorchard.com
www.blueorchard.com
Disclaimer
COVID-19 EMERGING AND FRONTIER MARKETS MSME SUPPORT FUND SCSp SICAV-RAIF is a closed-end fund, unlike open-end funds, shares are not continually offered. An investment in a closed-end fund presents a number of risks and is not suitable for all investors.
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