The Project Accelerator

The Project Accelerator works with public actors in developing countries to enable and accelerate the development of sustainable and bankable projects. The collaboration often extends over the entire project development process and includes different support and efforts depending on the project. Part of the offer means that Swedfund can finance feasibility studies and other forms of efforts that are necessary to enable decision-making and financing. 

A project is based on local needs and priorities. In many cases, these correspond to sectors where the Swedish resource base is strong and can offer sustainable solutions.  

Implementing a project requires financing, for example through a Swedish export credit solution or through a development bank. This means that in many projects, Swedfund works closely with Team Sweden, including actors such as Business Sweden, SEK, EKN and Sida, as well as with several development banks. 

The Project Accelerator focuses on the following sectors: energy, sustainable transport, circular solutions, digitalisation and health.

Insufficient infrastructure in developing countries hampers economic growth and sustainable development. It leads to unequal access to essential services such as electricity, clean water and transport. Increased capacity and support for project planning, development, structuring and procurement can overcome these challenges and free up financing for investments in sustainable infrastructure.

Swedfund addresses this by carrying out tailor-made studies based on local needs and priorities, assessing costs and risks and taking into account technical, economic, environmental and social aspects. The studies enable decision-makers to make informed choices that facilitate and unlock funding and investment in sustainable infrastructure projects. Improved access to critical infrastructure can boost economic growth and trade, and increase the resilience of communities and individuals.

By providing expertise and technical support, we also empower local actors to procure and manage sustainable projects transparently and effectively. For a project to be implemented, financing is required, for example through a Swedish export credit scheme or a development bank. Through a competitive procurement process, Swedish companies can participate and contribute to solving infrastructure challenges in developing countries.

The most important partnership is between Swedfund and the local project owner, as it ensures that the project is adapted to local needs and priorities, promotes ownership and has the potential to create sustainable social development.

In addition, the Project Accelerator works with various Team Sweden actors (including embassies, Business Sweden, Sida, EKN and SEK) who also play a crucial role in identifying local needs and potential project opportunities, providing local networks and enabling Swedish companies to be part of a sustainable solution to local needs. We also work regularly with development banks, international organisations and regional actors where there is potential for cooperation and synergies and to facilitate the implementation of the study.

Swedfund's support for project development and feasibility studies focuses on life-cycle costs rather than least-cost investments, and on integrating environmental and social aspects into critical infrastructure projects. Our support helps to ensure that sustainability factors are integrated into the projects and that the project is in line with the country's local strategic development priorities. This approach creates opportunities in strategic markets for Swedish companies specialised in long-term and sustainable solutions to participate in competitive tenders.

The Project Accelerator also plays an important role in preparing sustainable projects that strengthen investment opportunities for private actors and Swedfund's investment organisation. One example is in the Energy & Climate sector, where the Project Accelerator supports projects that strengthen the capacity and reliability of the electricity grid, which is often a prerequisite for the distribution of renewable energy from the sun, wind and water - areas in which Swedfund invests.

The Project Accelerator thus serves as an important bridge between aid, trade and investment, and thus to more inclusive growth and a green transition.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at pa@swedfund.se

The Project Accelerator regularly engages senior advisors with expertise in our key sectors and the regions where we operate, to support us and the local project teams. We continuously assess applicants and welcome advisors to reach out and submit their resumes at any time to pa@swedfund.se to be considered for future opportunities.