Swedish companies have substantial opportunities to grow by engaging in low‑ and middle‑income markets, including through procurements financed by multilateral development banks. Each year, more than USD 100 billion is invested in projects aimed at reducing poverty and advancing development, often in sectors where Swedish companies are global leaders such as infrastructure, healthcare, digital technologies, education, energy, and environmental solutions.
“Through close collaboration with Team Sweden, Business Sweden strengthens Swedish export opportunities while supporting the global sustainable transition. When low- and middle-income countries implement more sustainable procurement, the result is better projects with lower lifecycle costs and reduced environmental impact, creating stronger incentives for Swedish companies to participate,” says Robin Pettersson, Head of Trade and Development.
Opportunities for multi-million-euro contracts
One example is a railway project in Tanzania, where experience with large‑scale infrastructure is limited. For projects of this scale to be successfully implemented, alignment with international standards and regulatory frameworks is essential. In such contexts, Team Sweden – a unique collaborative network of Swedish public authorities and companies – can support procuring entities by strengthening capacity and ensuring compliance with established requirements.
This approach supports the delivery of more sustainable projects while enabling Swedish companies to participate. Without such engagement, projects risk being implemented by actors applying their own standards and requirements, sometimes with limited consideration for social and environmental impacts – for example in decisions related to railway routing. European actors typically deliver solutions that generate stronger long‑term outcomes for the partner country.
During 2024, we worked with 250 Swedish SMEs in these types of projects, but we want to see many more. We see substantial opportunities for the right companies to engage and contribute to sustainable development.
We deliver tangible development on the ground
Business Sweden has a local presence in many countries with significant untapped business potential, helping to remove barriers to market entry.
With an understanding of the local business climate and a strong network of colleagues and partners on the ground, Business Sweden can support companies in identifying the right focus areas. It is crucial not to spread efforts too thin and risk wasting limited resources on the wrong opportunities.
In Sweden, Business Sweden’s industry teams match Swedish companies with business opportunities in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Ukraine is also a high‑priority market for trade and development initiatives of this kind.
These projects deliver tangible development on the ground – more jobs, safer transport, greater labour market inclusion, and lower emissions. Sweden is involved and supportive throughout the entire process.