EDFI data: European DFIs in 2024 hit highest commitment growth since 2018
New investment commitments by 15 European DFIs surged forward in 2024 to €12.35 billion – up 29% from 2023. Climate-related investments also maintained a strong pace, growing 21% from 2023, reinforcing EDFI network dedication to sustainability.
BRUSSELS, 25 February 2025 — New investment commitments by 15 European Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) surged forward in 2024 to €12.35 billion – up 29% from 2023. During the year, 708 new projects across emerging and developing markets received critical financing to support their impactful business activities.
When factoring in new investments from EDFI Affiliate Partners—U.S. DFC and FinDev Canada—total commitments swelled in 2024 to €21.39 billion, reinforcing the expanding reach and impact of the EDFI network.
Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America-Caribbean lead, MENA sees strong comeback
Sub-Saharan Africa attracted 31% of new European DFI commitments, followed by 21% in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 17% in Europe and Central Asia—mirroring the regional focus of EDFI Affiliate Partners.
Meanwhile, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region staged a robust 61% rebound in investments after a turbulent few years, -34% in 2023 and +26% in 2022, which signals renewed investor confidence.
Financing where it matters most: surge in Least-Developed and Low-Income countries investments
In a major shift, financing for least-developed and low-income countries (LDCs & LICs) more than doubled in 2024 from 2023 to €2.66 billion, reversing two years of decline and accounting for 22% of total new investments for 2024.
SMEs and climate finance drive growth, but gender investments fell
Commitments to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) jumped 104%, underscoring renewed focus by DFIs on supporting local businesses. Climate-related investments also maintained a strong pace, growing 21% from 2023, reinforcing EDFI network dedication to sustainability.
Investments in gender-focused initiatives dropped by 10%, however, reversing an upward trend observed in 2023. EDFI Affiliate Partners put forth some €4 million toward gender investments, €3.2 million to SME support, and €2.5 billion to climate-related projects.
Full report coming in Q3 2025
Data released today offers an early snapshot of EDFI member activity in 2024. A comprehensive annual report, set for release in Q3 2025, will provide deeper insights into DFIs’ impact, including blended finance, co-financing, and private sector mobilisation efforts.
Figure 1.
Note: U.S. DFC and FinDev Canada signed EDFI affiliate partnership agreements in October 2024. Before then, EDFI did not record their annual new commitments.
Figure 2.
Note: EDFI Affiliate Partners U.S. DFC and FinDev Canada figures are excluded.
Figure 3.
Note: Affiliate partners U.S. DFC and FinDev Canada figures are excluded. New investments data in LDC / LIC countries is available from 2021. Investments may be classified under multiple impact themes.
Contact: James Pieper, EDFI, james.pieper@edfi.eu or at +32 2 490 16 76 67.
