Joint dialogue for the development of the humanitarian demining sector through the use of market-based financial mechanisms
17.10.2025
The Humanitarian Demining Center, together with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, organized two consecutive round tables in the field of humanitarian demining:
- between Ukrainian banks and mine action operators (MAOs);
- between Ukrainian banks and manufacturers of demining equipment.
Both meetings were the first initiative of this format, the aim of which is to establish direct interaction between financial institutions and the private sector to promote the emergence of a self-sufficient humanitarian demining sector, an integral element of which is the use of market-based financing instruments.
During the first meeting at the office of the Humanitarian Demining Center, PMD operators and bank representatives discussed how financial institutions can become partners in the development of the humanitarian demining industry.
Among the topics:
- funding needs and constraints for PMT operators;
- risk insurance options;
- leasing or other programs for purchasing demining equipment.
It was important to note that, thanks to the work of the state program for compensation of costs for humanitarian demining of agricultural lands, PMD operators who fulfill contracts under this program will have the opportunity to receive loans on special terms for working capital from banks.
The second roundtable brought together manufacturers of demining equipment and machinery along with representatives of the banking sector.
Participants proposed solutions that will help attract investment in production, service, and the creation of innovative technologies used in humanitarian demining.
The issue of the possibility of attracting banking instruments to scale up production localization was also discussed.
Humanitarian demining is not only a security issue, but also an important element of economic recovery. To ensure the sustainable development of the sector, we must consider all possible market-based financial instruments and mechanisms. The Center will continue to act as a platform for dialogue, where partnerships are transformed into real solutions for the safe recovery of the country.”
Volodymyr Bayda, Director of the Humanitarian Demining Center, emphasized that such meetings are of important strategic importance.
As a result of the discussions, the participants agreed to continue regular consultations between banks, PMD operators, and manufacturers, in particular regarding the creation of financial mechanisms to support the sector - credit, leasing, and insurance instruments.
The Humanitarian Demining Center, the EBRD, and the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine will coordinate further work on joint initiatives to strengthen the humanitarian demining sector.