FinDev Canada

Investment Strategy

FinDev Canada was established in 2018 to fill a gap in Canada’s development finance architecture, providing a dedicated institution for mobilizing private capital toward development objectives in emerging and developing countries. As a subsidiary of Export Development Canada, FinDev Canada benefits from its parent’s financial strength and international networks while maintaining an independent development mandate. The institution has grown rapidly since its founding, building a portfolio of direct investments and fund commitments across its target geographies.

The fund investment program focuses on private equity, infrastructure, and impact funds operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. FinDev Canada has been particularly active in climate-focused funds, reflecting Canada’s strong international commitments to climate finance. The institution also prioritizes funds that advance women’s economic empowerment, either through targeted gender lens strategies or through gender-inclusive operational practices. As a newer DFI, FinDev Canada has been building relationships with established fund managers while also supporting emerging managers who bring local knowledge and networks to underserved markets.

FinDev Canada’s investment approach emphasizes additionality and catalytic impact, seeking to participate in funds and transactions where its involvement mobilizes additional private capital and supports market development. The institution coordinates with other Canadian development organizations, including Global Affairs Canada and the International Development Research Centre, to align its investment activities with broader Canadian development priorities.

How to Approach

Fund managers seeking investment from FinDev Canada should demonstrate operations in the institution’s target geographies and alignment with its three priority themes of climate action, women’s economic empowerment, and market development. The institution is receptive to both established and emerging managers, particularly those with deep local presence and demonstrated development impact in target markets.

FinDev Canada’s investment team is based in Montreal and engages through formal application processes and institutional networks. The team participates in major development finance conferences and coordinates with peer DFIs through the IFI network. Managers should be prepared to articulate their development impact thesis alongside investment strategy and to implement gender and climate-related reporting frameworks.