BIO is a development finance institution established in 2001 as a public-private partnership between the Belgian Government, represented by the Minister of Development Cooperation, and the Belgian Corporation for International Investment [BMI/SBI]. The mission of the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO) is to support a strong private sector in developing and/or emerging countries, to enable them to gain access to growth and sustainable development with the aim to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. 

It supports private sector expansion in developing and emerging countries to achieve sustainable economic and social prosperity and to alleviate poverty. BIO provides long-term financing (equity, quasi-equity, loans, and guarantees) to enterprises and financial institutions directly or through dedicated vehicles.