The Business Center provides a guide to the range of business and investment opportunities created by the work of the World Bank Group, which lends between US$15-20 billion to developing country governments to fund projects for economic development and poverty reduction each year.
This level of investment generates around 40,000 contracts, ranging in size from a few thousand dollars, to multi-million dollar expenditures for the delivery of a vast range of goods and services. Also, the Bank Group provides an extensive array of services and advice and facilitates private sector finance and investment in developing countries to promote growth and opportunity.
On Bank-Financed Projects Government agencies in borrowing countries are responsible for the purchase of goods and services to support bank-financed projects. Bank procedures have been established to ensure that procurement is conducted efficiently and in an open, competitive and transparent manner. Two resources for project-related procurement information are Procurement on the Projects and Operations website and Project Cycle (a business guide) on the Business Center website, where you will find guidelines, standard documents, policies and procedures, project information documents, and in-country bidding and consulting opportunities.
As a Vendor to the Bank Qualified vendors are required on a regular basis to supply all goods, services and works in support of the Bank Group's administrative and corporate functions. We contract directly with vendors through open competition. Corporate Procurement provides information on current bidding opportunities at the bank and how to do business with us.
As a Consultant The Bank Group contracts for a wide variety of consulting services from individuals and firms, as well. The work can be based either at headquarters, in Washington DC, or in country offices. Find databases of available contracts, operating guidelines, and how to register on the Consulting page.
As An Investor or Company Seeking…
Finance The Bank Group's financial products range from investment and development policy loans to governments to loans for small and medium-sized enterprises. Our private sector investment arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), promotes private sector growth in developing countries through direct lending, equity investments and syndicated lending. The IFC can also help identify investment opportunities for potential foreign investors. See Financing for details on all of our lending operations, information on how to obtain loans, and how to access the extensive range of financial services offered.
Investment Opportunities The World Bank (IBRD/IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) offer a wide range of products and services for potential investors. Specific products are available, such as bonds, loans and guarantees. Investing services can also help individuals and firms explore foreign direct investment opportunities within the developing world and emerging markets.
Facilities for Small and Medium Enterprises The International Finance Corporation (IFC) offers numerous facilities to promote small business growth in developing countries. IFC works to make it easier for owners of small and medium-sized businesses to gain access to capital, equipment, information technology, technical assistance and advice.
Guarantees and Risk Management Support Investment guarantees, hedging and political risk insurance products are available to commercial lenders contemplating investment in developing countries. By covering risks the market is unable to bear, the Bank Group's guarantees can open up new opportunities for businesses.
Advice An array of advisory services are offered by the Bank Group, ranging from IFC advice on how to improve private sector development, assist private companies or formulate privatization policy to foreign investment and business climate surveys and Treasury advisory services on public debt management, asset liability management and pension fund management.
Grants The Bank Group uses a range of mechanisms to distribute a limited number of grants for development projects. Grants are designed to encourage innovation, collaboration with other organizations, and participation by stakeholders at national and local levels. Many are designed for small and medium enterprises and are either funded directly or managed through partnerships.
Partnerships International assistance organizations, civil society organizations, businesses, government agencies and others have contributed to the success of world-wide development efforts by partnering with the Bank Group to shape strategies and carry out specific programs.
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