International Fund for Agricultural Development has launched its latest sustainable bond, raising SEK 750 million through a private placement under its Sustainable Development Finance Framework. This marks IFAD’s thirteenth sustainable bond issuance and signals continued institutional appetite for development-linked, ESG-aligned fixed income instruments.

The bond was anchored by Skandia, participating as lead investor for the third time, alongside new investors AP3 and Kammarkollegiet. The participation of these institutions reflects growing confidence in IFAD’s impact-driven mandate and financial profile.

Channeling Capital Into Rural Transformation

Proceeds from the bond will be directed toward IFAD’s development programs across low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on strengthening rural economies. The organisation’s investments are designed to make rural communities more productive, resilient, and economically integrated, particularly in regions exposed to climate volatility and market shocks.

IFAD’s core strategy centres on small-scale farmers, supporting improvements in agricultural practices, access to finance and technology, and integration into local and regional value chains. By targeting rural livelihoods, the institution aims to address food security challenges while creating sustainable income opportunities.

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Building Long-Term Partnerships With ESG Investors

According to Natalia Toschi, Head of Funding at IFAD, the transaction reflects a deliberate strategy to deepen relationships with aligned institutional investors while broadening the investor base.

The inclusion of AP3 and Kammarkollegiet alongside Skandia underscores how development-focused bonds are increasingly viewed as both impact-oriented and financially robust. These investors bring mandates that prioritise long-term stability, responsible investment, and alignment with public interest outcomes.

Institutional Investors Emphasise Stability and Social Impact

Skandia highlighted the dual nature of the investment, combining social development outcomes with financial resilience. The insurer emphasised that supporting small-scale farmers is central to global food security and contributes to broader economic and social stability.

AP3’s participation aligns with its longstanding focus on responsible investment within Sweden’s pension system, while Kammarkollegiet’s involvement reflects its mandate to support transparency, democratic governance, and sustainable development objectives through state-linked financial activities.

Measurable Outcomes From IFAD-Financed Projects

IFAD’s recent impact assessments point to tangible development outcomes. Projects financed by the institution have increased farmers’ production, income levels, and market access by more than one third. Between 2022 and 2024, IFAD-supported initiatives helped generate close to 390,000 jobs across rural economies.

These outcomes highlight the role of targeted rural investment in driving inclusive growth, particularly in regions where agriculture remains the primary source of employment and income.

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Why Rural Finance Remains Strategically Important

Around three billion people live in rural areas of developing economies, and small-scale farmers are responsible for producing roughly half of the world’s food supply. Despite this, rural communities account for nearly 80 percent of the world’s poorest populations.

Investments at the early stages of food systems, often described as the “first mile,” deliver strong social and economic returns. Improving productivity, reducing poverty, and enhancing resilience at this level strengthens food systems as a whole and reduces vulnerability to climate and economic disruptions.

Scaling Sustainable Finance for Global Food Systems

With this latest bond issuance, IFAD continues to demonstrate how capital markets can be mobilised to support long-term development goals. By attracting institutional investors to rural transformation, the organisation is reinforcing the role of sustainable finance in building more inclusive, resilient, and secure global food systems.

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