Oikocredit

Oikocredit is a global cooperative and social impact investor founded in 1975. With over €1 billion in total assets, Oikocredit provides financing to organizations in developing countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The cooperative focuses on three main sectors: financial inclusion, agriculture, and renewable energy. Oikocredit aims to empower low-income people and communities by providing loans, equity investments, and capacity building to local partners. Typical financing amounts range from €1-10 million, though smaller loans are also provided. Partners must align with Oikocredit's mission and meet environmental, social, and governance criteria. The cooperative uses an ESG scorecard to evaluate potential investments. Recent projects include supporting microfinance institutions, financing smallholder farmer cooperatives, and investing in off-grid solar companies. In 2023, Oikocredit partnered with Opportunity International to expand access to education in several African countries. Oikocredit raises capital through a network of support associations and individual investors across Europe and North America. As a cooperative, members have a voice in the organization's direction. Oikocredit balances modest financial returns for investors with creating measurable social impact for low-income communities.