British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, wholly owned by the UK government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Founded in 1948 as the Colonial Development Corporation and later CDC Group, BII invests patient, flexible capital to support private sector growth and innovation, creating more productive, sustainable and inclusive economies across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. With £9.87 billion in net assets and stakes in more than 1,600 businesses across 66 countries, it invests £1.5–2 billion every year in green infrastructure, technology and other sectors where capital is scarce.

Africa is BII’s largest and longest-standing commitment. In April 2026 it launched its most ambitious Africa strategy to date: a £9 billion mobilisation target for 2026–2031, of which BII will contribute nearly £5 billion of its own capital — a sum exceeding its entire current $5.53 billion Africa portfolio — with the balance mobilised from African and international private investors, generating roughly $12.1 billion of total investment impact. The strategy sharpens focus on frontier markets, committing at least 25% of new investments by value to Least Developed Countries, and concentrates capital in financial services, power, transport, trade, digital infrastructure and sustainable industries. Nigeria is among its largest African markets. BII has been a major backer of Africa’s technology and venture ecosystem, investing in funds including Norrsken22 and in fintechs directly, alongside landmark transactions such as a $150 million transition finance facility with FirstRand, a $100 million trade facility with the Trade and Development Bank, and a partnership with South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation. It operates through regional offices across the continent with local teams and country directors.