SDG Outcomes Fund Reaches $100 Million with EU Backing to Boost Impact in Africa and Asia

July 4, 2025

10:12 am

Key Impact Points

The SDG Outcomes Fund has secured $100 million in total commitments, with the European Union joining as anchor investor through the ACP Trust Fund.
It is the first fund solely dedicated to outcomes-based financing in low- and middle-income countries, already generating $13.5 million in verifiable outcome payments.
Programs have supported over 100,000 children in Africa, delivered 1.5 million health services to girls in Kenya, and upskilled youth in Türkiye.

EU-Backed SDG Outcomes Fund Hits $100 Million Target

The SDG Outcomes Fund, developed by UBS Optimus Foundation and Bridges Outcomes Partnerships, has reached its $100 million target with an anchor commitment from the European Union via the European Investment Bank (EIB), backed by the ACP Trust Fund.

Announced at the UN Financing for Development summit (FFD4) in Sevilla, this Luxembourg-based Article 9 fund is a pioneering example of blended finance supporting measurable social and environmental progress across Africa and Asia.

First of Its Kind in Outcomes-Based Development Finance

This is the first fund to invest exclusively in outcomes-based programs in low- and middle-income countries, focusing on health, education, women’s economic empowerment, and environmental protection.

The model ensures payments are only made when independent verification confirms that real-world outcomes—such as improved education or health services—have been achieved.

Tom Hall, Global Head of Social Impact and Philanthropy and CEO of UBS Optimus Foundation Network, said:

“The SDG Outcomes Fund is a ground-breaking initiative that shows how different forms of capital can come together to deliver outcomes for people who need it most.”

Major Backers Align on Shared Outcomes

In addition to UBS Optimus Foundation’s first-loss capital and Bridges Outcomes Partnerships’ program oversight, the fund includes commitments from British International Investment (BII), the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Legatum, family offices such as the Tsao Family Office, Ferd, and private investors.

Mila Lukic OBE, CEO of Bridges Outcomes Partnerships, emphasized:

“We can achieve better outcomes for individuals and better value for our funders… this more flexible, more collaborative approach has already helped to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.”

Tangible Results in Health, Education, and Environment

To date, nearly $13.5 million in outcome payments have been made. Impact highlights include:

Over 50,000 schools supported in India and 100,000+ children reached in Sierra Leone and Ghana
1.5 million sexual and reproductive health services provided to 700,000+ girls in Kenya
3,000 tons of plastic waste collected for recycling in Nigeria
IT upskilling for over 800 unemployed youth in Türkiye

Ambroise Fayolle, Vice-President of the EIB, said:

“Our commitment is more than just financing – it’s investing in a future where every investment delivers tangible, measured impact.”

Aligned with EU Global Gateway Strategy

The fund supports the Africa-EU Global Gateway Investment Package. European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela stated:

“New opportunities — better education, impactful training, quality jobs… that’s why I appreciate the ACP Trust Fund, which enables us to invest in high-impact programs across Africa.”

Leslie Maasdorp, CEO of BII, added:

“This initiative exemplifies the power of mobilizing like-minded partners to unlock innovative solutions that deliver significant and tangible results.”