Under the SECO mandate SIFEM exclusively focuses on developing and transition economies as defined by the World Bank, whose GNI per capita is below USD 6,000. A list of priority countries into which SECO funds can be invested is presented to SIFEM annually. At least 60% of SIFEM's investment volume in any year must be allocated to the aforementioned priority list. In cases of regional or global funds the geographical criteria is fulfilled if at least 50% of fund or financial institution investment is made in the priority countries. This minimum is relaxed to 20% for sub-Saharan Africa. The 2009 priority countries for Swiss Development cooperation are as follows: