The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are celebrating 15 years of partnership dedicated to supporting private sector development, job creation, and economic resilience across the Mediterranean region. Since its launch in 2011, the collaboration has helped mobilise investment, strengthen businesses, and promote sustainable economic growth in several Mediterranean countries.
Over the past 15 years, the partnership has committed €47.9 million across six investment funds, successfully mobilising approximately €637 million in additional investment from international financial institutions and private sector partners. This represents an estimated 13-times catalytic multiplier, demonstrating the ability of public development funding to attract significant private investment.
The initiative was established to address the shortage of long-term risk capital available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized businesses across the Southern Mediterranean. By investing through private equity and venture capital funds, the programme has enabled growing businesses to expand operations, improve competitiveness, and create quality employment opportunities.
As of December 2025, the partnership had supported 51 companies operating across nine countries, with a strong presence in Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt. The supported businesses operate in key sectors including healthcare, technology, manufacturing, professional services, and training, contributing to economic diversification and regional development.
The companies backed through the programme employed more than 48,600 people by the end of 2025, including over 19,400 women and more than 4,300 young employees under the age of 25. Additionally, nearly 70% of the portfolio companies provided external training programmes, helping improve workforce skills and long-term employability across the region.
The partnership has also delivered measurable economic benefits. In 2025, supported businesses generated approximately €3.4 billion in annual revenue and contributed around €53.5 million in tax payments, strengthening public finances while supporting sustainable economic development.
The 15-year collaboration between AECID and the EIB demonstrates how strategic public investment can mobilise private capital, strengthen local businesses, create employment opportunities, and promote long-term economic resilience across the Mediterranean. As the partnership continues, it remains focused on fostering inclusive growth and supporting sustainable private sector development throughout the region.
