The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) is AKDN’s only for-profit institution and coordinates AKDN’s economic development activities. Businesses and financial institutions comprising AKFED are grouped together into five sectors: industrial promotion, tourism promotion, finance, aviation and media.

Irrespective of the sector involved, AKFED seeks projects that are not only economically sound but are most likely to contribute to the long-term development of the country and the region. As a general rule, AKFED takes a majority stake in the projects it supports, and also manages them. This hands-on approach places strong emphasis on the development of human resources, fostering a high level of skill in management, technology, marketing and finance. AKFED uses its share capital and knowledge of the countries in which it operates to invest in projects as necessary, drawing on the expertise of its technical partners. It establishes partnerships with local institutions and operators, commercial and development banks, and finance agencies specialising in multilateral development.

As a private development agency, AKFED acts as a catalyst in stimulating and mobilising investments in the developing world. It operates as a network of affiliates that includes more than 90 separate project companies employing over 35,000 people. Its network has assets of over USD 2 billion in 18 countries.

For more information, visit : www.akdn.org/akfed.asp