Who we are
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is a self-sustaining U.S. Government agency that helps American businesses invest in emerging markets. Established in 1971, OPIC provides businesses with the tools to manage the risks associated with foreign direct investment, fosters economic development in emerging market countries, and advances U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities. OPIC helps American businesses gain footholds in new markets, catalyzes new revenues and contributes to jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad. OPIC fulfills its mission by providing businesses with financing, political risk insurance, advocacy and by partnering with private equity investment fund managers.
Latest News
This OPIC-supported startup is connecting U.S. retailers to Africa's growing middle class
By Chris Folayan Founder and CEO MallforAfrica.com This piece originally ran in How We Made it in Africa In 2013, I was a successful California-based entrepreneur, who had already built and sold multiple high-tech startups, when I tried to raise money for a promising new online retail business. But this time there was a catch. My... More information
What We Offer
Financial Products
Political Risk Insurance
Investment FundsOPIC provides financial products such as loans and guaranties, political risk insurance, and support for investment funds, all of which help American businesses expand into emerging markets. From offering long-term lending to protecting against the risks of political instability, OPIC’s products are uniquely tailored to assist the private sector in some of the world’s most challenging places. More information
Media Library
OPIC: Snapshots in Development
OPIC: Snapshots in Development
As the US government’s development finance institution, OPIC partners with American businesses by providing financing, political risk insurance and support for private equity funds in challenging but promising regions. More information
OPIC has supported more than $200 billion of investments in over 4,000 projects throughout developing countries. As foreign direct investment rapidly outpaces aid dollars, there's no question that OPIC will remain an indispensable player in advancing development.
OPIC is a smart, practical, high-impact government institution that has enabled Root to serve one million farm households.
One of the ways OPIC has helped us is by giving us the confidence to go into these markets and take risks.
I don't think we could be in Iraq without OPIC's support. We've signed multiple contracts, established good relations, and gotten paid. None of it has been easy but it has all been successful.
For a small business to expand into emerging markets outside of the U.S. is very challenging. OPIC's objectives in helping U.S. corporations expand in emerging markets was very much aligned with our objectives.
Helios would not be standing here today without OPIC. They gave us our first break in 2004 and now we manage more than $2 billion, investing in all sorts of projects across Africa.