DEG together with DEG Impulse and six sister European development finance institutions, has launched the new joint EFSD+ EDFI Technical Assistance (TA) Facility funded by the European Union, as part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. The initiative marks a significant step in the collective effort to link financing with targeted expertise and unlock greater development impact across partner countries.

The TA Facility is a collaborative achievement by DEG, DEG Impulse, FMO, Proparco, Swedfund, Finnfund and BIO. With all programmes now available for use, the facility enables European DFIs and their clients to combine financial instruments with tailored technical support in line with the 360º Global Gateway approach, strengthening project performance and improving long-term sustainability. The joint approach enhances client support, improves project impact, and helps scale sustainable solutions in the markets that need them most.

By aligning financial resources with on-the-ground capabilities, the initiative enhances the development effectiveness of European investments in climate, energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, digitalisation, and other high‑impact sectors.

Dr Hubertus Pleister, Managing Director of DEG Impulse, emphasises the strategic importance of the initiative:

"The launch of the Joint EDFI TA Facility marks a milestone in our collective journey toward sustainable development. By combining resources, expertise, and ambition, we are creating a platform under the Guarantee Programmes that empowers our clients to lead, innovate, and transform their industries."

The EFSD+ Guarantee Programmes, managed by EDFI Management Company, mitigate investment risks to mobilise private capital for transformative projects in emerging and developing markets. This includes investments in climate and energy transition, agriculture, and inclusive finance, supporting the global goals of sustainable and resilient growth.

The joint TA component complements this guarantee mechanism by deploying technical assistance resources directly to companies and project partners. This targeted support helps clients strengthen business models, enhance environmental and social performance, implement robust governance processes, optimise value chains, and pilot innovative, scalable solutions.

Whether supporting a company to meet international sustainability standards or enabling the development of new climate‑smart products, TA is rooted in a close partnership between DFIs and their clients. It aims to unlock investments, improve operational performance, and deepen long‑term impact.

The TA facility complements the three EDFI European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) Guarantee Programmes, specifically Carbon Sinks, Transforming Global Value Chains (TGVC), and Renewable Energy Transition (RET). Signed in 2025, the EFSD+ Guarantees are also EDFI-shared Programmes and managed by EDFI Management Company.

EDFI Carbon Sinks Programme

This programme promotes private investment in natural capital and nature‑based solutions. It supports projects that protect or restore forests, agricultural landscapes, the blue economy and ecosystems, thereby contributing to climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and resilient livelihoods.

EDFI Renewable Energy Transition Programme

Supporting the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, this programme facilitates the development of sustainable and secure energy infrastructure. It enables investments in renewable energy generation, transmission and storage, green hydrogen, off‑grid solutions, and the decarbonisation of energy‑intensive industries. By reducing financial barriers, it helps bridge energy access gaps and strengthen global supply chains.

EDFI Transforming Global Value Chains Programme

Focusing on mid-sized corporates and SMEs in high‑impact sectors, this programme supports local value creation, job generation, digital transformation, and improved ESG performance. It targets agribusiness, sustainable manufacturing, health, digital, and education. By supporting strong social and environmental practices, the programme aims to create quality employment—particularly for women and youth—and encourage climate‑friendly innovation across partner countries.