As global aid decreases, the Folksam Group takes a clear responsibility. In 2025, the group invested over four billion kronor in the World Bank’s sustainable bonds. Money that directly finances projects in digitalization, climate adaptation and social development worldwide. In total, the Folksam Group’s investments in the World Bank now amount to around ten billion kronor. This in a situation where needs are increasing but resources are decreasing.
According to the OECD, aid fell by nine percent in 2024 and is expected to decrease further in 2025 and 2026, while global needs increase. The Folksam Group’s investments in the World Bank now amount to around ten billion kronor.
“The World Bank is one of the world’s most creditworthy institutions and our investments create both secure returns and concrete social benefits,” says Marcus Blomberg, Head of Asset Management at Folksam.
The Folksam Group’s investments in the World Bank achieve three central goals:
- Stable and long-term returns for customers
- Sustainable pension savings in line with the group’s vision
- Direct support for global development and climate change
A survey from the Olof Palme International Center shows that 74 percent of Swedes believe that Sweden’s international commitment to peace, gender equality, climate and democracy is important. Both private and public sources of funding are needed.
“As concern spreads around the world, efforts that try to make a positive impact on people’s lives become even more important. Pension money is suitable for investments in institutions like the World Bank that have long-term goals for their operations,” says Marcus Blomberg.
2025 investments make a difference in eight countries
The Folksam Group’s investments finance projects with a direct impact on people and communities:
- Egypt: Teacher training, digital learning tools and improved teaching for up to four million students.
- Vietnam: Climate adaptation and improved wastewater services for almost 375,000 people.
- Romania: Modernized healthcare, including cancer screening for 24,000 women.
- Brazil: A new bus travel system in Belo Horizonte that will give low-income households significantly better access to the labor market.
- Kazakhstan: Expanded broadband infrastructure in areas where over five million people lack reliable digital connectivity.
- India: Enable investments in agricultural businesses and increase competitiveness in the area.
- Costa Rica: Improve efficiency and customer orientation in tax and customs administration.
- Angola: Income support for poor and vulnerable households and developing a social safety net.
