Maailmantaloudelle

Maailmantaloudelle is a Finnish non‑governmental organization founded in 2003 to promote sustainable development and economic cooperation between Nordic countries and emerging economies in Asia and Africa. The organization’s name, which literally translates to “for the world economy,” reflects its commitment to fostering global trade practices that balance growth with social responsibility.

The mission of Maailmantaloudelle is to support small and medium enterprises in developing countries by providing business training, access to international markets, and cooperation opportunities with Nordic investors. It also advises policy makers on inclusive trade policies and works with universities to conduct research on the impacts of foreign investment on local communities. Maailmantaloudelle’s programme portfolio includes certification schemes for environmentally friendly production, entrepreneurship incubators in Bangladesh and Vietnam, and quarterly conferences on digital trade solutions in partnership with the European Union.

Maailmantaloudelle is governed by a board of ten members drawn from business, academia and civil society. Its staff of fifteen professionals manage day‑to‑day operations in Helsinki, with satellite coordinators in Yangon, Nairobi and Oslo. Funding comes from a combination of membership dues, grants from the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, corporate sponsorships, and crowd‑sourced contributions from individuals worldwide.

Since its inception, the organization has helped over 500 firms secure export contracts, facilitated more than 200 technical exchanges, and contributed to policy reforms that improved market access for women‑owned businesses in sub‑Saharan Africa. Maailmantaloudelle continues to expand its outreach by leveraging digital platforms to connect entrepreneurs with global supply chains while maintaining a focus on equitable economic development.