UBS Optimus Foundation and Bridges Outcomes Partnerships today announced the successful final closing of the SDG Outcomes Fund at the 4th UN International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Sevilla. Through the new anchor commitment from the European Union, the fund reached its subscription target of USD 100 million. This Luxembourg-based SFDR Article 9 fund is a pioneering blended finance initiative designed to accelerate progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supporting outcomes-focused programs in low- and middle-income countries.

The fund was created as a partnership between UBS Optimus Foundation, which provides first-loss capital, and Bridges Outcomes Partnerships (BOP), a not-for-profit impact specialist which acts as a portfolio and delivery manager. Mezzanine and senior capital have been committed by the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and British International Investment (BII), alongside private investors including Legatum, family offices such as the Tsao Family Office, Ferd, and high net worth individuals. The European Investment Bank recently completed a USD 18 million commitment to the fund through funding from the European Commission via the ACP Trust Fund, enabling it to reach its USD 100 million target. This investment will contribute to the Africa-EU Global Gateway Investment Package objectives. This operation is fully in line with the European Commission’s priority to promote impact investments and find innovative ways to finance programs in low- and middle-income countries, including in fragile countries.