Our Impact
Our policy and regulatory advisory services enabling the investment climate for public policies and broader development goals
We accelerate investments in national public policy goals by...
Deepening capacity of governments to implement reforms through technical assistance and capacity-building;
Improving the quality of regulations and policies through alignment with global best practice;
Increasing agency of policymakers and regulators by providing useful tools and resources;
Enabling sustainable solutions through engagement with private sector, investors, and civil society;
Amplifying results through smart collaborations with partners and investors
Our reach
The United Nations recognizes Least Developed Countries (LDCs) as structurally disadvantaged nations, vulnerable to poverty, economic shocks, and disasters, requiring international support. The UNCDF Policy Accelerator plays a pivotal role in supporting LDCs by fostering inclusive policy reforms that address structural impediments and promote economic resilience. By working closely with governments and stakeholders, it helps design and implement evidence-based strategies to enhance financial inclusion, improve regulatory frameworks, and drive sustainable development in line with global goals.
Note: The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations. Final boundary between the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan has not yet been determined. Dotted line represents approximately the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir agreed upon by India and Pakistan. The final status of Jammu and Kashmir has not yet been agreed upon by the parties.
Date: August 2024
Source: UNCTAD
Our influence
UNCDF strengthens the investment climate by addressing systemic barriers and deploying innovative tools to mobilize sustainable capital. Our areas of influence extend to critical areas of market infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and investment facilitation and derisking
A robust investment landscape, shaped by economic, financial, and socio-political factors, is essential for attracting investments. It also forms the foundation for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
We address multifaceted policy constraints affecting investment and business climates, including policy instability, misaligned incentives, legal uncertainties, low capacity to implement reforms, high market entry barriers, and low trust in financial systems.
Our mission, shaped by years of collaboration with policymakers and regulators, is to drive systemic change, particularly in market development areas such as increased competition, consumer protection, accessible infrastructure, and investment incentives. Comprehensive reforms in these sectors can significantly improve conditions for both public and private investments.
Our approach
We work directly with governments and in close coordination with diverse development partners. We offer our ‘Enabling Environment & Investment Facilitation Toolkit’ to policymakers and regulators to facilitate technical assistance, capacity-building and stakeholder consultation.
While our technical support often includes market analysis, drafting and reviewing policy and regulation, and convening stakeholder dialogues, we also offer tailored assistance to address specific needs and interests of governments, ensuring a responsive and adaptable approach to each unique context.
Our track record
We have worked with policymakers and regulators in over 20 low- and middle-income countries to support national public policy goals. Our team of experts has contributed to policy change and regulatory reforms that have unlocked increased investment in retail financial sector, expansion of payment infrastructure, increase consumer protections, improved financial sector integrity, among other areas. We have enabled stakeholder engagement through countless workshops and consultative actions with private sector and civil society, championing issues such as women’s economic empowerment, fintech innovation, and digital public infrastructure.