Franz Fayot launches the 2022 edition of the Business Partnership Facility

In his opening speech, the Minister emphasized the catalytic role played by the private sector in the implementation of Luxembourg’s development cooperation strategy, in particular in terms of the resources and innovations it can provide to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development.

“The BPF supports partnerships between Luxembourg or European companies and players from developing countries, be they companies, government departments or civil society organisations, so that they can set up sustainable and innovative business projects together. Projects supported by BPF co-financing contribute to the achievement of the objectives for sustainable development through green and inclusive growth, job creation or technology transfer. Project leaders must also demonstrate their commitment to protecting social and environmental rights,” emphasized Franz Fayot. “I am also pleased that we took advantage of the launch of the 2022 edition to highlight the opportunities in Senegal, a country with which Luxembourg has strong friendships and partnerships,” concluded the minister.

The presentation of the 2022 edition was an opportunity to highlight some of the new features introduced in terms of project eligibility criteria and the promotion of partnerships. Instead of one call per year, the BPF is moving towards a two-stage model for project calls: a first with a closing date in May and a second with a submission date in October. Secondly, the field of eligibility criteria has been broadened: all projects that can contribute to the achievement of the 17 sustainable development goals are now eligible. Finally, an improved support is now provided by Lux-Development, the executive body of Luxembourg Development Cooperation, to encourage the formation of partnerships: a digital matchmaking platform allows the different players registering there to match their offers or their needs. present and organize bilateral meetings .

Cindy Tereba, Director of International Affairs at the Chamber of Commerce, reiterated the Chamber of Commerce’s support for the BPF, before highlighting the excellent cooperation in this regard between the Directorate of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, Lux-Development, Ministry of the Economy and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as Luxinnovation, which provides support to Luxembourg companies wishing to carry out a project. So, after two years marked by a subdued economic context due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cindy Tereba encouraged Luxembourg companies to take the plunge.

This year, the organizers have chosen to honor Senegal, Luxembourg’s long-standing priority partner country characterized by a dynamic business environment. For example, Thiaba Camara Sy, founding member of Women’s Investment and the Senegalese Investors Club (CIS), and Jean-François Vassas, president of the Evolv group and member of the Mouvement des entreprises du Sénégal, presented business development opportunities in Senegal. The event was also an opportunity for Jean-Marc Boueyrie, CEO of Jway, to share his experience, a company specializing in digitization that has benefited from the support of the BPF.

More information about the BPF: The BPF was initiated and financed by the Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Action Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and implemented by Lux-Development, the Luxembourg Agency for Development Cooperation, in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Luxinnovation. The BPF co-finances in the form of a grant that aims to encourage partnerships between Luxembourg or European companies and partners (companies, governments or civil society) based in developing countries. Co-financing can amount to 50% of the total project budget with a maximum of 200,000 euros. Since its launch in 2016, the BPF has supported 34 projects, mainly in Africa.

Companies are invited to consult the BPF website for more information.

Press release from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Action and the Chamber of Commerce