The Model
Introduction
The Project Accelerator often collaborates throughout the project development process and includes different support and interventions depending on the project. As part of the offer, Swedfund can finance feasibility studies and other forms of interventions necessary to enable decision-making and financing.
The Project Accelerator provides the following support to public institutions in developing countries:
- Project preparation studies, such as feasibility studies that include technical and economic analyses of a project.
- Project support studies, such as environmental and impact assessments, policy and regulatory analyses linked to the development of sustainable infrastructure.
- Capacity building activities, including activities that increase the ability of partners to procure projects, implement complex infrastructure projects or manage investments
We assist public institutions, for example ministries, municipalities, cities, and state-owned enterprises, on infrastructure projects that align with national and local priorities and Agenda 2030 and that can create a positive impact on society.
We tailor our support to each project, based on the capacity of the local promoter and the needs of the specific project. By entering the project phase early and with the strong technical expertise of Swedfund's project managers, we become a trusted and strategic partner for the project owner. This means that we can influence the design of the projects and enable a sustainable solution to be procured in line with the wishes and needs of the other party. The studies funded by the Project Accelerator are carried out with international consultants selected through a competitive process in accordance with local laws and regulations.
In addition, all projects benefit from one or more consultants with significant sector experience working alongside Swedfund and the local project team. This ensures knowledge transfer and builds the capacity of the local team, leaving a lasting capacity to run projects efficiently and responsibly in the future. In this way, our support goes beyond mere funding.
We are involved throughout the project cycle, often helping to define the scope of the study and actively participating in the selection of the consultant to carry out the study and in the follow-up process. This process follows competitive procurement procedures in line with international standards, ensuring transparency and fairness, and providing for continued support after the initial project has been completed, if required.
Key sectors and geographies
Operating in regions with pressing needs, we focus on low-income, economically vulnerable countries facing diverse challenges, with our primary portfolio situated in Africa and Asia. Moving forward, we will place particular emphasis on Moldova and Ukraine, having received additional funding for these countries and intending to expand our portfolio there.
- Clean energy (grid stability & efficiency, transmission, renewable energy generation, energy storage)
- Sustainable transportation (urban transport, rail, transportation systems)
- Circular solutions (water and wastewater treatment, waste management, biofuels, waste to energy)
- Other sustainable projects (digitalisation, health and forestry)
For the full list of eligible countries, see DAC list of ODA recipients
What we look for
We strive to identify and support the projects with high potential for impact on society in line with Agenda 2030. For this reason, we look at a number of key factors when assessing new projects:
- Potential for sustainable solutions increasing access to critical infrastructure
- Alignment with national/regional sector plans and high national priority
- Potential to attract financing for investment and implementation
- Capacity of local project owner to drive the project
- The project’s contribution to Agenda 2030 and Swedfund's mission and strategic goals
- Potential to open doors for sustainable solutions from Swedish companies