New companies, jobs and innovations for developing markets despite the coronavirus: check out the 2025 development impact report

Finnish companies that received financial grants from Finnpartnership in 2021 have demonstrated that responsible business is a significant force for promoting development and well-being – despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The pandemic affected both the number of applications and the progress of projects in 2021. Although companies’ activities were more modest overall and the paid financing, €1.6 million, was the lowest in ten years, Finnish companies managed to achieve significant development impacts.

The 2025 Development impact report provides an overview of 47 projects implemented by Finnish companies and organisations that received funding in 2021. The projects were implemented between 2021 and 2024 and targeted 28 different countries and 13 different industries.

Key figures from the report

• Eight new companies in developing markets
• 23 long-term cooperation agreements with local operators
• A total of €3.3 million invested in projects
• 316 jobs created of which 131 are new jobs
• 31 new openings for Finnish companies in developing markets

Finnpartnership’s support enables risk-taking and growth

Finnpartnership’s Business Partnership Support has been crucial for many projects. As many as 86% of respondents considered the support to be essential or almost essential for the implementation of their project. The financial grant enabled market research, testing of business models, and the launch of business operations even during challenging times, such as the coronavirus pandemic.

Sustainable development and equality

The impact of the projects is not limited to the economy. According to the report, 51% of the projects promoted gender equality, for example by employing women, offering products and services that support equality, and improving women’s working conditions. A total of 77 women were employed directly through the projects, and with follow-up projects, the number rose to 310.

In addition, nearly half of the projects trained local staff—a total of 1,725 people received training, which strengthens their skills and improves their employment opportunities in the future.

Environment and market impact

Sustainable development is also reflected in environmental measures: 28% of projects implemented measures to improve environmental impact, such as the introduction of environmentally friendly production methods and environmental certification. Several projects have also strengthened the market and production structure of the target countries, created new products, and improved infrastructure.

Examples of impactful projects

• The digital identification service developed by Digizen enables banking services in remote villages in Papua New Guinea, where traditional identity cards are rare.
• Corrsy established a subsidiary in Iraq and provides high-quality and accessible private education.
• 3DBear and HAMK are developing simulation-based learning environments in Tanzania, which will improve the quality and accessibility of vocational education.

Responsible growth

The development impact report shows that Finnish companies can be pioneers in responsible international business. The program’s support enables long-term growth, innovation, and the promotion of sustainable development in collaboration with local communities.