Oikocredit International

Oikocredit International, headquartered in Amersfoort, The Netherlands, stands as a prominent global social impact investor with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1975. As a cooperative, its core mission is to empower low-income people and communities by providing responsible financing to organisations that create positive social, environmental, and economic change. This long-standing commitment to sustainable development is reflected in its diverse portfolio, which spans across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, aiming to foster inclusive growth where it's needed most.

Oikocredit's investment strategy is meticulously designed to support three key sectors: financial inclusion, agriculture, and renewable energy. In financial inclusion, it partners with microfinance institutions, banks, and fintech companies to expand access to financial services for underserved populations. Within agriculture, Oikocredit supports fair trade initiatives and sustainable farming practices, enhancing livelihoods for smallholder farmers. Its renewable energy investments focus on off-grid solutions and small-scale projects that provide clean energy access to remote communities. The investor primarily offers debt financing, including senior and subordinated loans, but also engages in equity investments, always prioritizing social and environmental impact alongside financial viability.

With nearly five decades of operation, Oikocredit has built a substantial and impactful portfolio. As of 2022, its total development financing portfolio stood at an impressive EUR 1.05 billion, equivalent to approximately USD 1.14 billion, demonstrating its significant scale in the impact investing landscape. The cooperative works with over 500 partner organisations globally, reaching millions of beneficiaries through its various initiatives. Oikocredit's typical first cheque for partner organisations can range significantly, reflecting the diverse needs of its investees. For debt financing, initial loans often start from around EUR 100,000 (approximately USD 108,000), while larger, more established partners can receive loans extending beyond EUR 10 million (over USD 10.8 million). Equity investments typically commence from EUR 500,000 (around USD 540,000). This flexible approach allows Oikocredit to support a wide spectrum of social enterprises, from emerging local initiatives to established regional players.