Swedish Companies Needed in Global Development Projects
Published: October 22, 2025, 09:00
Significant opportunities exist for Swedish companies to engage in business within low- and middle-income countries while simultaneously contributing to sustainable development. Business Sweden is actively assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in identifying projects where specialized Swedish expertise is in high demand.
Swedish firms stand to gain considerably by participating in low- and middle-income economies, particularly through involvement in tenders financed by multilateral development banks. Annually, over $100 billion is invested in projects aimed at combating poverty and fostering development, frequently in sectors where Swedish companies excel, such as infrastructure, healthcare, digital technology, education, energy, and environmental solutions.
“Business Sweden collaborates with Team Sweden to enhance Swedish export opportunities while supporting global sustainable transformation. By helping low- and middle-income countries make more sustainable procurements, we facilitate better projects with lower lifecycle costs and reduced environmental impact. This makes it more attractive for Swedish companies to participate and contribute to these ventures,” explains Robin Pettersson, Head of Trade and Development at Business Sweden.
The Potential for Multi-Million Dollar Deals
Pettersson cites a railway construction project in Tanzania as an example, where experience in large-scale infrastructure projects is limited. To succeed, the project must align with prevailing international standards and regulations. Team Sweden, a network of government agencies and companies working together to promote Swedish exports, can help build competence among the clients.
“This approach allows us to contribute to more sustainable projects where Swedish companies have a chance to participate. The alternative is that other actors come in and build according to their own terms and requirements, often without sufficient consideration for people and the environment when, for example, a railway is being built. European actors deliver in a way that the effect for the country is better,” says Robin Pettersson, adding:
“In 2024, we worked with 250 different small and medium-sized Swedish companies in these types of projects, but we want to see more. We see great opportunities for the right companies to come in and contribute to sustainable development.”
“Leads to Tangible Development”
Business Sweden maintains a presence on the ground, breaking down barriers in many countries where significant, untapped business opportunities exist.
“With an understanding of the local business climate and a network of colleagues and partners on-site, we can support companies and help them find the right focus. It’s important not to spread resources too thinly, risking the waste of limited resources on the wrong track,” Pettersson explains.
In Sweden, industry teams match Swedish companies with business opportunities in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Ukraine is also a high-priority market for these types of trade and development projects.
“These projects lead to tangible development on the ground, including more jobs, safer transportation, greater labor market participation, and reduced climate emissions. Sweden is involved in supporting the entire process,” says Robin Pettersson.
Business Sweden and the Government Mandate
The Swedish government has tasked Business Sweden, the Swedish Trade and Investment Council, with identifying and promoting synergies between trade and development cooperation. By integrating trade and development into a cohesive strategy, the aim is to make it easier for Swedish companies to contribute to sustainable development in low- and middle-income countries, while also gaining access to new markets and thereby contributing to Swedish exports.
Article produced by Brand Studio in collaboration with Business Sweden.
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