Stockholm/Rome, 3 February 2026 - The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) started the year strongly by issuing its thirteenth sustainable bond, as a private placement, under its Sustainable Development Finance Framework to three investors.

 

The SEK 750 million note was purchased by Skandia, the lead investor, supporting IFAD for the third time, and followed by two new investors: AP3 and Kammarkollegiet.

 

The proceeds will contribute to finance IFAD’s development projects globally, focusing on transforming rural areas to make them more productive and prosperous, ultimately improving the livelihoods, food security and resilience of millions of rural people.

 

“We are particularly happy to start the year with this club deal, partnering with Skandia that is now supporting our institution for the third time, and adding two reputable new investors like AP3 and Kammarkollegiet. This deal summarizes IFAD’s wish to build long-term partnerships through repeat-investors and to attract new names with ESG themes at the heart of their investment strategy,” said Natalia Toschi, Head of Funding, IFAD.

 

“By investing in IFAD, we contribute to long-term sustainable development where social impact and financial stability go hand in hand. Small-scale farmers play a crucial role in global food security, and investments that create development opportunities are crucial for reducing poverty and creating stable societies,” said Alexander Onica, Head of Skandia's Fixed Income and Currency Management.

 

IFAD invests in small-scale farmers to help them improve their agricultural practices, build their resilience to shocks and access markets, technologies, and value chains by connecting them to rural agribusinesses. Such investments deliver results, increasing food production and farmers' incomes, and contributing to economic growth, food security and stability. Recent impact analysis shows that IFAD-financed projects increased farmers' production, income and market access by more than one third. Between 2022-2024, nearly 390,000 jobs were created. 

 

Founded in 1855, Skandia is one of Sweden's main insurance companies.

 

AP3 is an institutional investor, part of Sweden’s national pension system, and a strong advocate of responsible investments.

 

Kammarkollegiet, Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency is a state authority under the Ministry of Finance that contributes to strengthening democracy, increasing transparency within the state, and building a sustainable future.

 

About 3 billion people live in rural areas of developing countries, and small-scale farmers produce half of the world’s food. With nearly 80 per cent of the world’s poorest people living in rural areas, strategic investments in the first mile of food systems deliver strong economic and social returns.

 

IFAD is an international financial institution and a United Nations specialized agency. Based in Rome – the United Nations food and agriculture hub – IFAD invests in rural people, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience. Since 1978, it has provided more than US$25 billion in grants and low-interest loans to fund projects in developing countries.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/03 February 2026 - - -