BIO works to promote the creation of a strong private sector in emerging economies, to enable them gain access to prosperity and sustainable development.

At the beginning, the company financed regional or local intermediary structures, such as banks and investment funds.

This was done to limit BIO's risk, allowing the company to benefit from the experience of more seasoned institutions.

In 2004, it broadened its mission to the direct support of local SMEs in order to compensate for the reluctance of commercial banks, which are generally hesitant to finance SME activities.

In addition BIO has joint funding arrangements with the International Finance Corporation and with the African Development Bank.