Tuesday ● 17 February 2026
The Global Development Bank (GDB) carries out its mission of financing sustainable development and poverty reduction across all major world regions. While its official page lists where it works, development banks generally shape their regional engagement based on local needs, economic conditions, strategic partnerships, and development priorities
GDB supports economic and social development across African countries. Typical areas of engagement include:
Infrastructure financing: transport, energy, water, and sanitation projects.
Poverty reduction programs: job creation, skills development, and small business support.
Climate resilience & green investments: renewable energy, climate adaptation strategies.
Regional cooperation: cross-border infrastructure and policy support.
Africa is home to many low-income and emerging economies where development finance can have high impact.
This region includes dynamic emerging markets and developing economies. GDB’s role here often aligns with:
Supporting rapid economic growth: financing industrial and digital transformation.
Urban & rural development: improving infrastructure in both growing metropolitan areas and underserved rural zones.
Technological and environmental projects: sustainable city planning and green tech adoption.
Institutions similar to GDB often partner with local governments and private sector entities to boost inclusive growth.
In this diverse region, GDB and similar multilateral banks focus on:
Economic transition support: helping countries shift from centrally planned to market economies.
Connectivity and integration: infrastructure that enhances regional trade and movement.
Governance & institutional strengthening: supporting reforms, financial sector development, and policy improvements.
Europe and Central Asia include upper-middle and lower-middle income countries with varied development needs.
This region contains a mix of developing and emerging economies where GDB’s engagement typically includes:
Social inclusion projects: health, education, and poverty support programs.
Climate adaptation & sustainability: responding to environmental challenges like hurricanes and deforestation.
Economic stabilization and growth: financing productive sectors and infrastructure projects.
Development banks often work with countries here on enhancing resilience and shared prosperity.
Countries here face unique development challenges and opportunities:
Economic diversification: shifting away from fossil fuel dependency.
Infrastructure & human capital: investments in water, energy, and education systems.
Stability & growth: supporting countries rebuilding or stabilizing post-conflict economies.
Regional cooperation and private sector engagement are often key components of development strategies.
South Asia includes some of the most populous and fast-growing economies in the world. Engagement focuses on:
Poverty reduction and inclusion: programs for health, education, and livelihoods.
Infrastructure development: transport, energy, and urban services to support growth.
Regional integration & cooperation: cross-border economic corridors and shared initiatives.
Many development banks emphasize inclusive growth and climate resilience in South Asia.
