Key facts
- Implementing Partner:
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
- Guarantee volume:
up to €35 million
- Global Gateway areas of partnership:
Digital
- Sectors:
Digital services, Infrastructure
- Geographical focus:
Central Asia, Eastern European Neighbourhood countries, Southern European Neighbourhood countries, Western Balkans, Türkiye
- Type of support provided:
Financing, Technical assistance
- Types of investments:
Guarantees, mezzanine debt
- Investment period:
Open for investments until November 2026
- Technical assistance:
up to €4 million
Description
The guarantee aims to enhance effective and sustainable Digital Connectivity through an energy efficient roll-out and upgrade of digital and data infrastructure. It especially targets largely in un- and underserved areas. Further, it provides financing to private telecom operators, software and IT services companies, which otherwise would not be able to access financing in line with their liquidity needs. This way, a wider population can access the digital economy and sustainable economic development is supported.
The guarantee supports the digital infrastructure and the digital ecosystem. It encourages the development of a digital infrastructure through investment into high-speed broadband networks to un- and under-served regions. This is essential as cost-effective and affordable access to internet connectivity as well as safe and secure storage and transmission of data has become a fundamental requirement for the sustainable development of modern economies. Such connectivity allows improved national competitiveness and movement towards a knowledge-based and more sustainable economy.
The overall digital ecosystem is strengthened through private and corporate digital sector development by addressing the bottlenecks in financing. The transition towards a digital economy establishes the tools for making better use of infrastructure, improving lives even in the poorest countries, enhancing democratic governance and transparency, boosting productivity, entrepreneurship and job creation.
How can businesses and investors get involved?
If you are an investor with an interest in this guarantee program, we recommend getting in touch directly with the EBRD.
Contact: fundingdesk
ebrd [dot] com (fundingdesk[at]ebrd[dot]com)
About EBRD
The EBRD works across three continents to support the transition to successful market economies. Their focus is on delivering prosperity by enabling a well-run and sustainable private sector through their unique business model, combining financing, advice and policy reform. It focuses on fostering inclusive, resilient, and green economies by strengthening strengthen institutions, improving infrastructure, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. Its work complements traditional development assistance by leveraging private investment and encouraging systemic reforms for long-term impact.