Oikocredit at 50: Reflecting on the past, building a sustainable future with year of action and impact

Oikocredit is ringing in its 50th anniversary with a series of global events, new partnerships, and educational initiatives aimed at expanding its legacy of sustainable development and social impact. Themed “50 years of investing in tomorrow,”the year-long celebration culminates in a commemorative conference on the day of the anniversary, 4 November 2025. It will offer a look at Oikocredit’s journey since its founding in 1975 and a vision for the future. 

Universal solidarity in times of crisis 

The idea of Oikocredit was born at a 1968 meeting of the World Council of Churches. Delegates and church members wanted to create an ethical investment channel supporting peace and universal solidarity amid global unrest over issues such as apartheid and the Vietnam War.  

The result was the Oikocredit Ecumenical Development Cooperative Society (EDCS). The cooperative has since focused closely on financial inclusion and supporting micro, small and medium enterprises, working with on-ground partners to improve livelihoods, create jobs and raise incomes for underserved communities. 

Current geopolitical events underscore the relevance of Oikocredit’s mission, points out Mirjam ’t Lam, Managing Director at Oikocredit. “Nearly 50 years ago Oikocredit set off on a relatively unknown path to convince others that impact investing was viable, and in doing so became a pioneer in social impact. Today, we are a community of over 47,000 investors, our partners reach 53 million people in 52 focus countries, and our work is even more important than ever,” she says.  

Mirjam describes the 50th anniversary celebrations as more than a look back, framing the year ahead as a call for stronger action to drive systemic change.  

“With global gaps of privilege widening, and those with the least being most affected by the impact of climate change, we want to renew our call to action and say, ‘Whether you have EUR 200 or EUR 200 million to invest; put your money to work!’ Invest for impact and play your part in setting us all up for a better tomorrow,” she adds.  

Highlights of the anniversary year 

Beginning in January 2025, Oikocredit will introduce a refreshed brand identity and a newly redesigned website to enhance transparency, accessibility, and engagement among its stakeholders. The new website makes it easier for investors to support Oikocredit’s mission, while the brand update reflects a renewed focus and commitment while reinforcing visual accessibility. 

Alongside, a series of videos, webinars and workshops will bring the “Investing in tomorrow” theme to life. These are designed to foster learning and collaboration around social impact and climate resilience, giving Oikocredit’s supporters around the world the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of critical global challenges and invest in a future grounded in sustainable, inclusive growth. 

A Global Reflection and Visioning Day on 4 November 2025 will bring together Oikocredit’s global community. It will take place across four locations, including Hyderabad in India, Nairobi in Kenya, São Paulo in Brazil and Rotterdam in the Netherlands. 

Development finance of more than EUR 1 billion  

From pioneering investments in affordable housing and cooperative businesses to more recent initiatives in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and community wellbeing,  Oikocredit’s work has driven measurable, positive social impact and helped set standards for the sector, while also delivering fair returns to its global investor community. 

In 1977, member and investor capital amounted to NLG 2,928 million (equivalent to EUR 1.3 million), a sum that grew to EUR 980 million as of June 2024 – an increase of 33,693%. Total outstanding development financing has grown likewise.  

More than one billion euros (EUR 1,099 million) in development financing is currently with partners active in Oikocredit’s core focus areas. By comparison, total development finance stood at NLG 536,364 (approximately EUR 243,400) in 1979, our records show. 

Oikocredit’s first projects were far away from its headquarters in the Netherlands. A June 1978 loan of USD 200,000 (about EUR 215,650 today) to the Vellore Christian Medical College Board helped 200 low-income hospital workers in India’s Tamil Nadu state obtain home loans of $1,000 each. Across the world, Oikocredit’s first Latin American partner, Fondo Ecuatoriano Populorum Progressio (FEPP), used a USD 100,000 loan to help villagers in Salinas, Ecuador, establish artisanal cheese and sausages businesses. Today, Salinas has a reputation as Ecuador’s cheese capital. 

Sustainable futures for underserved communities  

Oikocredit now works with more than 500 partners in 52 countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Central and South America. These partnerships have enhanced financial inclusion for 53 million people. The majority of these (87%) are women, 65% live in rural areas, the Impact Report 2024 shows. About 4.29 million micro, small and medium enterprises can now access business capital, while the renewable energy portfolio offsets 422,564 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, equal to a year’s greenhouse gas emissions from 100,571 cars. 

In addition, through its collaboration with the Oikocredit International Support Foundation, the cooperative continues to extend or facilitate capacity building and technical assistance. Oikocredit blends private investment capital with donor-funded technical assistance to maximise impact. It’s partnership with Opportunity International is improving education for over 1.6 million children in lower-income countries. Collaborations with Aqua for All and Water.org have better access to clean water and sanitation, addressing urgent climate-related challenges.  

Fostering resilience through social impact remains central to Oikocredit’s mission. As the climate crisis and sociopolitical challenges escalate, the cooperative is accelerating investments into clean technology, renewable energy, digital microfinance solutions and regenerative agriculture, while also continuing to support WASH and affordable housing initiatives.  

More information on Oikocredit’s most recent performance is available in the 2023 Annual Report.