Social engagements

Our solidarity actions

Small Steps with Long-Term Impact

At BPD International, we see business as a tool for broader, human-centered development. While our core expertise lies in export and infrastructure financing and advisory, we’re also committed to supporting individuals and communities in ways that foster long-term independence and resilience.

Our solidarity efforts are modest in scale but deeply intentional — both abroad and in Switzerland. Whether it’s funding a training course, supporting small-scale entrepreneurship, or helping rebuild a home — or a life — we aim to contribute regularly and meaningfully, always with a view toward sustainable impact.

To give a clearer picture of these efforts, here are a two examples among others:

A Brick House in the Thar Desert

March 2021, in the Thar Desert of India, our solidarity journey took a deeply human turn. A violent storm had destroyed a family’s shelter — and with it, their camel, their main source of livelihood. What began as a simple act of emergency support became the construction of a new brick home — a safe, lasting structure built with locally sourced stone and the help of the community.

For us, this project was a powerful reminder that what may seem out of reach for some can, with relatively little effort from others, become reality — bringing not only shelter, but also lasting dignity and security.

The Storm

A massive dust storm sweeps across the desert, destroying everything in its path.

What remained

The family's makeshift tent collapsed, leaving them exposed to the elements.

A commercial offer

Agreed via Whatsapp

First step: materials arrive

A truck unloads the first stones, marking the beginning of reconstruction.

Foundation and first layers

Builders lay the early stonework with care and local expertise.

Community effort

Neighbors and local masons join in, transforming destruction into renewal.

Walls rise

Slowly, the structure begins to take shape with arched windows and thick walls for insulation.

Final touches

Beautiful traditional stonework frames the home’s new doors and windows.

A new chapter

The family's daughter, smiling in front of her new home.

The completed house

A solid, dignified home now stands where the storm

Partnering with Local Changemakers

From the Streets of Cotonou to a Community Foundation

In September 2022, we met Achille Demahou, a devoted advocate for vulnerable children and young widowed mothers in Cotonou, Benin. Having grown up on the streets himself, Achille has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those he now supports.

In his free time — every evenings, weekends, and holidays — he leads community meals, informal education programs, emergency cases and mentorship for families without paternal support.

With ongoing encouragement and modest financial support from BPD, Achille’s grassroots work evolved into the Ketoura Foundation, officially registered in November 2023. The foundation now supports, among others:

• Educational sponsorships, covering school expenses for 3 children and providing supplies to over 100 others
• Vocational apprenticeships for young mothers, enabling future independence
• Holiday community meals serving over 300 children and single mothers

In 2024, Ketoura acquired a plot of land near Benin’s economic zone, with plans to build a learning center and safe residence for orphans lacking family support. This space will offer structure, safety, and a deep sense of belonging to its community.

From the Streets of Cotonou to a Community Foundation

A Quiet Commitment

At BPD, we don’t see this work as charity — we see it as shared humanity. We’re honored to walk alongside individuals like Achille, who are already making a difference in their communities.

Our role is to support — quietly, consistently — the vision they’re working to bring to life.
A full overview of the Ketoura Foundation’s activities will soon be available upon request