The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA) provide average annual lending commitments for investment projects of US$10-US$15 billion a year. These funds are used by recipient countries to purchase goods and equipment, construct civil works, and obtain the consulting services needed to implement these projects. Each project may involve many separate contracts and business opportunities for suppliers, contractors, and consultants worldwide.
When pursuing business opportunities in projects financed by the World Bank, it is essential to understand that the implementing agency in the recipient country is responsible for procurement. All contracts are between the borrower (usually the government department that is its implementing agency) and the supplier, contractor or consultant. The Bank’s role is to make sure that the borrower’s work is done properly, that the agreed procurement procedures are observed, and that the entire process is conducted with efficiency, fairness, transparency and impartiality.
More information on this process can be found in::  Guidelines: Procurement under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits
Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers,
For comprehensive guidance, please refer to the:
Resource Guide to Consulting, Supply and Contracting Opportunities in Projects Financed by the World Bank. Occasionally, the World Bank hires consulting firms to support its development work. These opportunities are posted on at:
Requests for Expressions of Interest for Consulting Work
World Bank borrowers are required to submit timely notification of bidding opportunities and to advertise these opportunities and expressions of interest. Invitations to bid or express interest for contracts under World Bank-financed projects can be found at: - The Development Gateway Market (dgMarket) is a global online marketplace providing information on donor and government-funded tenders. Currently, dgMarket publishes tender notices for projects funded by the African Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, Europe Aid, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, EU members states, Phare/Tacis, and the World Bank. For more information, contact: info@dgmarket.com.
- The United Nations produces UN Development Business which provides information on business opportunities generated through the World Bank, regional development banks, and other development agencies. Development Business is available in either print format or by online subscription. For more information contact the Development Business Liaison Office at Tel: (202) 458-2397; Fax: (202) 522-3316 or E-mail: dbusiness@worldbank.org.
World Bank staff are occasionally asked to provide presentations on procurement to the business community. Copies of these presentations are available here. Presentation Library |
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