World Bank Group mobilises record $112bn in private capital for developing economies
WASHINGTON: The World Bank Group has mobilised a record $112 billion in private capital for developing economies in the financial year 2026, more than tripling its total from four years ago. The institution also issued an unprecedented volume of guarantees, fulfilling long-standing requests from shareholders to leverage private investment alongside its own resources to stimulate job creation.
Combined with the Group's direct financing, total capital directed towards developing economies exceeded $200 billion in the 2026 financial year. The surge in private capital mobilisation was widespread. Funding to lower-middle-income nations nearly tripled, rising from $14 billion in 2022 to $37 billion. Upper-middle-income countries saw an increase from $12 billion to $50 billion. In low-income nations, the figure held steady at approximately $3 billion, while investment across Africa jumped by nearly 150% to $22 billion.
The organisation issued over $25 billion in guarantees, exceeding its 2030 annual target of $20 billion four years early. This expansion was driven by the World Bank Group Guarantee Platform, established in 2024 to offer investors a simplified, single point of access to various guarantee products.
"Three years ago, our shareholders and clients were clear: utilise World Bank Group financing and knowledge to mobilise more private capital and become a better partner to the private sector. We changed how we work to do that – faster, simpler, and as one World Bank Group," World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said. "The result is $112 billion mobilised this year, more than three times where we started. But the number only matters if the capital goes where it can create opportunity and jobs. That is the work ahead: keep removing barriers, keep expanding the pool of investors, and keep driving more capital into developing economies."
Employment remains the central priority for the institution. Over the next 10 to 15 years, an estimated 1.2 billion young people in developing nations will reach working age, while current projections suggest only 420 million jobs will be available. Because the private sector generates nine out of ten jobs in these markets, the World Bank is targeting foundational investments to help businesses scale.
In the recent financial year, 55% of all financing was directed towards sectors with high employment potential, including infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and value-added manufacturing. The organisation noted that this capital is reaching lower-income economies, where local and regional investors are increasingly working alongside global financiers.
To sustain this momentum, the Group is developing its originate-to-distribute model. This approach packages investments for institutional investors on a larger scale, connecting global long-term capital with emerging market opportunities.
