British International Investment (BII), the UK's development finance institution, has set a target to allocate 30% of its new investments in its core portfolio to qualify under the 2X Challenge. This move is part of its efforts to support women's economic empowerment. The 2X Challenge is an initiative that aims to advance women's economic empowerment through investments. BII made this commitment at the 2X Global Summit in Montréal.
The commitment comes as concerns grow over the slow pace of progress on gender equality. According to new United Nations data, 351 million women and girls could still be living in extreme poverty by 2030. Closing persistent gender gaps requires an additional $360 billion in annual investment. This investment could generate significant economic benefits, including a more than 20% increase in global gross domestic product.
Since its launch in 2018, the 2X Challenge has mobilized over $33 billion for investments designed to advance women's economic empowerment. Under its renewed 2024-27 framework, the initiative aims to mobilize at least $20 billion. The focus is on attracting private investors into gender-lens investing. The value of dedicated gender-lens funds has increased from $1.3 billion in 2017 to $7.9 billion.
BII's latest commitment represents a significant expansion of its gender-finance strategy. Under its 2026-31 strategy, the institution aims for 30% of new investments in its core portfolio to qualify under the 2X Challenge. Its priorities include expanding women's access to financial and digital services, supporting quality employment, and increasing women's participation in climate and low-carbon industries.
BII has committed over $3.5 billion in 2X-qualified investments since 2018. It has provided over $586 million in lending to women-led businesses. The institution's annual gender finance commitments have risen sharply, from £24 million in 2019 to over £585 million in 2025.
Amal-Lee Amin, Managing Director and Head of Climate, Diversity and Advisory at BII, emphasized the importance of gender-lens investing for inclusive economic growth. BII also launched a refreshed Gender and Inclusive Finance Toolkit to help fund managers, investors, and businesses integrate a gender lens throughout the investment lifecycle.
The toolkit brings together tools, evidence, and practical examples investors need to move from ambition to action. BII's efforts aim to support women's economic empowerment and address the funding gap faced by African women. The institution's commitment is part of a broader effort to promote gender equality and inclusive economic growth.
Key points
- BII aims to allocate 30% of new investments towards women's economic empowerment under the 2X Challenge.
- The 2X Challenge requires an additional $360 billion in annual investment to close persistent gender gaps.
- BII has committed over $3.5 billion in 2X-qualified investments since 2018.
