NCG has recently been assigned by Danida to assist in the evaluation of the Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU).

IFU – the Investment Fund for Developing Countries – provides risk capital and advice to companieswanting to setup a business in developing countries. IFU was established by the Danish government in1967 “with the purpose of promoting economic activity in developing countries by promotinginvestments in these countries in collaboration with Danish trade and industry”. According to the amendments to the law on Danish Development Cooperation (2016), the overall objective of IFU is now indicated as “promoting investments that support sustainable development in developing countries and contribute to the realisation of the Sustainability Development Goals”. IFU is a self-governing fund under the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Minister for Development Cooperation approves the statutes of the fund and appoints IFU board members and its CEO. IFU and the IFU-managed investment funds are considered central to mobilising large-scale private funding, including from pension funds, foundations and businesses with a view to investing in sustainable growth, decent employment and technology transfer for addressing e.g. climate and environmental problems in difficult markets in developing countries. IFU should, at the same time, contribute to enhancing the international efforts and ambitions of Danish businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises.

The evaluation will assess all IFU’s activities since the evaluation in 2004. The primary objective is to:

1. assess IFU’s contribution to development and commercial outcomes through its investments in developing countries and assess IFU’s strategy and
2. assess the strategy and envisaged future role in Danish development cooperation, and whether the organization is fit for purpose.

At the centre of sustainable growth lie environmental stewardship, social wellbeing and economic prosperity. Sustainable business is a fundamental prerequisite in reaching the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as defined by the United Nations.

Governments as well as the private sector are crucial stakeholders to engage in order to reach the SDGs.

For private companies, mainstreaming sustainability throughout activities and engagements is good business according to international documentation and reports.

There are two main reasons for this:

• Risk Management - it reduces operational risks and adds value to business;
• Business innovation - It provides for innovative business opportunities

Defining coherent policies and strategies, analyzing value chains, building climate resilient infrastructure, investing in sustainable production processes, and ensuring inclusive employment and decent work are all essential elements in supporting sustainability.

Drawing on our in-house expertise and that of our network of collaborating partners, we have the technical know-how and sector-specific expertise to address sustainable business areas individually, as well as providing the crucial inter-linkage between sectors.

Our consultancy services to further sustainable business development include amongst others:

• Analysis and formulation of coherent sustainability values and streamline these values into company mission, vision, and win – win strategies.
• Formulation of policy, legislation and regulation to promote inclusive employment, job creation, decent work and social dialogue
• Social impact assessment, human and labour rights impacts
• Planning, formulation and implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects and initiatives. This includes compliance on CSR and strategic pro-active CSR.
• Value chain analysis including mapping and developing concrete shared value propositions
• Facilitate and establish partnership with stakeholder groups including civil society organizations
• Environmental impact assessment, lifecycle analysis, efficient resource utilization (energy, water) and reduction of waste as well environmental footprint
• Business and private sector development, including small and medium size enterprise (SME) development, and access to finance
• National and local level planning and formulation of programmes to strengthen and develop agribusiness, forestry and fisheries sectors for improved livelihoods, diversification and added value
• Development of internal and external communication strategies.

For further information on our Sustainable Business consultancy services, please contact Marie-Louise Appelquist.