The need for infrastructure improvements in the developing world is critical. Untold numbers of businesses suffer for lack of reliable power for industrial processes or because they cannot get their goods to the market. At the most basic level, millions of lives are threatened every day for lack of clean water or safe sanitation.

Private participation in infrastructure can help people in developing countries by extending their access to basic infrastructure and by improving the quality and reliability of infrastructure services.

Investment in infrastructure projects forms a key part of IFC's institutional strategy. Since the early 1990s when we first became active in infrastructure financing, private infrastructure deals worth nearly $4.8 billion have been arranged in more than 46 developing countries.