The World Bank Group has achieved a significant milestone in mobilizing private capital for developing countries. In fiscal year 2026, the Group mobilized a record $112 billion in private capital, surpassing its previous records. This substantial increase is a result of the World Bank's efforts to put more private capital to work alongside its own financing and expertise in developing economies. This achievement is a significant step towards the goal of leveraging private capital to support development.
The growth in private capital mobilization has been broad-based, with significant increases across various income groups and regions. Private capital mobilization to lower-middle-income countries rose from $14 billion in FY22 to $37 billion in FY26, nearly tripling. In upper-middle-income countries, it increased from $12 billion to $50 billion, more than quadrupling. Even in low-income countries, which are often challenging settings for private capital, the World Bank Group maintained private capital mobilization at about $3 billion.
The World Bank Group's private capital mobilization in Africa has also seen significant growth. In FY26, private capital mobilization in Africa rose from approximately $9 billion to $22 billion, an increase of nearly 150 percent. This growth is a positive sign for the continent, which has been working to attract more private investment to support its development needs. The World Bank Group's efforts to mobilize private capital are expected to have a positive impact on job creation and economic growth in Africa.
The World Bank Group's achievement is not limited to the amount of private capital mobilized. The Group has also issued a record volume of guarantees, which will help to mitigate risks and attract more private investment to developing countries. The guarantees will provide critical support to projects in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. By leveraging private capital and providing guarantees, the World Bank Group is helping to address some of the most pressing development challenges.
The World Bank Group's efforts to mobilize private capital are part of a broader strategy to support sustainable development and reduce poverty. The Group's goal is to help developing countries achieve economic growth and improve living standards, while also addressing environmental and social challenges. By leveraging private capital, the World Bank Group can help to unlock new sources of financing and expertise, and support more sustainable and inclusive development.
The increase in private capital mobilization is also a result of the World Bank Group's efforts to work more closely with the private sector. The Group has been engaging with private sector partners to identify new opportunities for investment and to develop innovative financing solutions. This collaboration has helped to build trust and confidence in the World Bank Group's programs and has contributed to the significant increase in private capital mobilization.
The World Bank Group's achievement is a significant milestone in its efforts to support sustainable development and reduce poverty. The Group's private capital mobilization programs are expected to have a positive impact on millions of people in developing countries, by supporting job creation, economic growth, and improved living standards. As the World Bank Group continues to work with its partners to mobilize private capital, it is likely that we will see even more significant progress in the years to come.
Key points
- The World Bank Group mobilized a record $112 billion in private capital for developing countries in fiscal year 2026.
- Private capital mobilization in Africa rose from approximately $9 billion to $22 billion, an increase of nearly 150 percent.
- The World Bank Group's private capital mobilization has more than tripled over the past four years, rising from $35 billion in FY22 to $112 billion in FY26.
