General Information
CDC’s mission is to generate wealth in the emerging markets, particularly in poorer countries, by providing capital for investment in sustainable and responsibly managed private sector businesses.

CDC is one of the longest-established emerging markets development finance institutions in the world: it has been providing capital to developing countries for nearly 60 years. Its target is to make 70% of its investments in the poorest countries, i.e. those with annual GDP per capita below US$1,750m, and the remaining 30% in countries which are classified as poor, i.e. those with annual GDP per capita below US$9,075. Priority markets are in Africa and South Asia.

CDC has built up a portfolio valued in excess of US$2 billion. Its funds are currently deployed in 250 companies in 60 countries.

CDC requires fund managers and investee companies to observe a set of business principles relating to governance, social responsibility, health and safety and care for the environment.

Instruments
CDC operates as a fund of funds. It does not make direct investments in companies, but places capital with managers who know and understand the emerging markets. Its monies are currently committed to more than 35 separate funds in Africa, Asia and Latin America. CDC will only commit funds to managers who invest equity or mezzanine instruments.