BLUE INVESTMENT FUND (BIF) SCHEME
From US$10,000 to US$3 million | 4% interest rate | Up to 15 Years Repayment
Your partner in building value chains for sustainable fisheries
The Blue Investment Fund (BIF) is a loan scheme developed specifically to support the expansion of sustainable fisheries’ value chains in Seychelles. We offer loans from US$10,000 to US$ 3 million (in SCR equivalent) at an affordable 4% interest rate to help you scale up your business.
Whether your business produces seafood goods, offers logistics and scientific services, helps local fish producers to access international markets, or pioneers aquaculture, the BIF can offer you a financial leverage to see your business thrive. To maintain its environmental integrity, currently, the BIF focuses on the value chains of managed pelagic fisheries (tuna, billfish) and does not cover demersal fish.
The BIF is capitalized with the proceeds from the world’s first sovereign Blue Bond. Together with the Blue Grants Fund (managed by Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust, SeyCCAT), the BIF is a part of the Blue Finance approach of the government to streamline innovative capital towards building a resilient blue economy in Seychelles.
BIF Loan Details
Minimum SCR equivalent of US$10,000 – maximum US$3 million
BIF loans offer a repayment period of up to 15 years
BIF loans have a fixed 4% interest rate, ensuring stability and predictability for borrowers.
Financing up to 90% of the project cost
To apply for a BIF Loan, you will need to submit the following:
- Loan application
- Business plan
- Supporting documentation
BIF accepts lease as collateral at a rate of 1:1.25.
Scientific Services
Code AA: Business enterprises that provide scientific support to the fisheries sector including services related to fisheries research, management planning and fisheries monitoring (including vessel monitoring systems)
Code AB: Businesses that provide food technology and laboratory analytical services for seafood product research, development, and labelling
Logical Services
Code AC: Businesses that provide offloading, storage, and delivery services to improve cold chain management including cargo handling services
Code AD: Enterprises that provide sorting and refreezing facilities as an ancillary service to processors and exporters of bycatch
Code AE: Enterprises that provide fleet and crew management services
Code AF: Business enterprises that provide packaging, distribution, marketing, and sales services
Processing
Code AG: Businesses developing new facilities, or rehabilitating existing facilities, that are engaged in primary or secondary fish processing for eligible value chains
Code AH: Enterprises investing in processes and technology to improve waste and energy efficiency
Code AI: Existing businesses that plan to upgrade existing processing facilities for HACCP or EU certification to improve market options
Market Access
Code AJ: Industry-led investments in fishery improvement projects and assessment for internationally recognised certification schemes (e.g., Marine Stewardship Council)
Code AK: Enterprises providing services in market research, brand building, strategy development and sector intelligence
Code AL: Specialised technologies for accessing markets such as electronic sales and auction platforms
Commercial Aquaculture
Code AM: Commercial production of finfish, bivalves, echinoids, and prawns by businesses licensed under the Fisheries (Aquaculture) Regulations, 2020 (S.I. 160 of 2020) on allocated land, inshore and offshore zones for aquaculture purposes.
Code AN: Commercial hatcheries and nurseries for commercial production of finfish, bivalves, echinoids, and prawns by businesses licensed under the Fisheries (Aquaculture) Regulations, 2020 (S.I. 160 of 2020) on allocated land, inshore and offshore zones for aquaculture purposes.