The World Bank Group announced on September 17 that it has mobilized a record $112 billion in private capital during the 2026 fiscal year. This unprecedented volume represents a significant increase from 2022, when the total was $35 billion. The World Bank's efforts to mobilize private capital are part of a broader strategy to support development in countries around the world. With its own commitments, the total financing reached over $200 billion.
The growth in private capital mobilization was observed across all regions. In lower-middle-income countries, the mobilization increased from $14 billion to $37 billion. In upper-middle-income countries, it rose from $12 billion to $50 billion. In low-income countries, the mobilization remained stable at around $3 billion. In Africa, the mobilization increased from $9 billion to $22 billion, representing a nearly 150% increase.
The World Bank Group attributes its success to reforms implemented over the past three years to strengthen collaboration with the private sector. These reforms include the establishment of a single point of contact in each country and the development of integrated strategies. The Private Investment Lab has played a crucial role in identifying investment barriers and proposing solutions related to the business environment, guarantees, and local currency financing.
The World Bank Group has also made significant progress in issuing guarantees, exceeding its 2030 target of $20 billion in annual guarantees four years ahead of schedule. In 2026, the institution issued over $25 billion in guarantees, thanks to the creation of the Guarantee Platform in 2024, which centralizes access to its guarantee products.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga emphasized that the mobilized capital must be directed towards creating opportunities and jobs. He noted that 1.2 billion young people will reach working age in the next 10 to 15 years in developing countries, with only around 420 million jobs expected to be available, mostly in the private sector.
The World Bank Group prioritizes job creation, with 55% of its financing in 2026 directed towards five key sectors: infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, health, tourism, and manufacturing with added value. These sectors are expected to drive economic growth and job creation in developing countries.
The World Bank's achievement in mobilizing private capital is seen as a critical step towards supporting sustainable development and job creation in countries around the world. The institution's efforts to collaborate with the private sector and address investment barriers are expected to continue playing a key role in its strategy to support development.
Key points
- The World Bank Group mobilized a record $112 billion in private capital for 2026.
- The institution exceeded its 2030 target of $20 billion in annual guarantees, issuing over $25 billion in 2026.
- Job creation is a top priority, with 55% of financing directed towards sectors expected to drive economic growth and employment.
