Finnfund invests in landmark Ecobank Nature Bond to boost sustainable agriculture and biodiversity in Africa
Finnfund has invested 15 million US dollars in a Nature Bond issued by Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), marking the first issuance of its kind by a commercial bank in Africa. The bond will mobilise up to USD 450 million to finance sustainable agriculture, biodiversity and water infrastructure across sub-Saharan Africa.
The financial instrument is aligned with the International Capital Market Association’s (ICMA) Nature Bond framework, launched in 2025. “Nature loss and food system resilience are increasingly critical global challenges. This investment enables us to scale financing to where the need and impact are greatest” said Finnfund’s Senior Investment Manager Ulla-Maija Rantapuska.
This investment is also part of Finnfund’s broader focus on safeguarding biodiversity and staying within planetary boundaries. Healthy ecosystems underpin resilient food systems, economic stability and long-term development, yet global biodiversity loss continues at an unsustainable pace. “By supporting investments that promote sustainable land use and protect natural resources, Finnfund aims to contribute to preserving the natural capital that economies and livelihoods depend on” says Rantapuska.
The proceeds of the bond will be used to finance and refinance loans to sectors such as sustainable agriculture, food processing and water infrastructure. By strengthening agricultural value chains and promoting sustainable land use, the investment supports food security and reduces pressure on ecosystems across the continent.
Ecobank is a leading pan-African banking group operating in 34 countries and serving more than 30 million customers. Finnfund has been a long-term partner since 2017, and the current investment represents its eighth transaction with the bank.
In addition to development impact, the investment contributes to European and Finnish strategic objectives by strengthening sustainable financial systems and opening opportunities for collaboration with Finnish companies. Ecobank already collaborates with Finnish technology company Tieto as a retail payments solution provider. The investment contributes to Finnfund’s goal of mobilising private capital for sustainable development.
More information:
Ulla-Maija Rantapuska, Senior Investment Manager, Finnfund
tel +358 41 536 5631, ulla-maija.rantapuska@finnfund.fi
Media contact:
Valpuri Mäkinen, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, Finnfund
tel +358 50 384 2105, valpuri.makinen@finnfund.fi
Finnfund is a Finnish development financier and impact investor. Finnfund builds a sustainable future and generates lasting impact by investing in businesses that solve global development challenges with Finnish added value. Each year, we invest 200–250 million euros in 20–30 companies in developing countries. Our focus is particularly on digital infrastructure and solutions, clean energy, forestry, agriculture, and on providing funding for small and medium-sized enterprises through financial institutions. Today, Finnfund’s investments, commitments, and investment decisions total about 1.2 billion euros. The company has about 100 employees based in Helsinki and Nairobi. For more information, please visit https://www.finnfund.fi/en.
