Publications

May 10, 2022

Brochure | Scaling Mini-Grid

Approximately 600 million people lack access to electricity in Africa. Clean energy mini-grids offer an affordable, sustainable way to expand electricity access across the continent. Mini-grids are highly suitable for remote load centers and offer an opportunity to accelerate electrification through diversification. Although prices have fallen significantly, many countries are still unable to develop sustainable mini-grid programs at scale due to various challenges.

Mar 11, 2022

Brochure | Scaling ReWater

Scaling ReWater is a World Bank Group initiative to scale-up sustainable wastewater treatment and water reuse infrastructure in emerging economies through unlocking public and private finance using blended financing models.

Feb 25, 2022

Brochure | Sustainability-linked Finance

Sustainability-linked finance (SLF) is a powerful tool for mobilizing capital as the world moves towards a greener global future. SLF incentivizes companies to pursue ambitious, long-term environmental and social goals, and its use can help countries achieve the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Companies in nearly all industries and locations can make use of sustainability-linked finance.

Jan 14, 2022

Sector Overview | Telecoms, Media & Technology

Telecommunications, media, and technology are the building blocks of the modern world. Digital infrastructure underpins every aspect of society and the economy. Smart cities, e-government, financial services, manufacturing and e-commerce all rely on strong digital infrastructure. Strengthening the digital capacity of developing countries enables inclusive growth, economic stability and improved quality of life for all citizens, including the most vulnerable.

English | 2 pages | IFC 2022

Jan 14, 2022

Sector Overview | Transport

Investing in ports, airports, roads, railways and other transportation infrastructure bolsters international trade, creates jobs, and reduces urban congestion. Through more efficient, safe and affordable movement of people and goods, transportation fosters both economic growth and sustainable development.

English | 2 pages | IFC 2022

Jan 14, 2022

Sector Overview | Global Infrastructure

Sustainable infrastructure is critical for addressing development challenges in emerging markets and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. Expanding access to essential services—electricity, telecommunications, transportation, water, and sanitation—enables inclusive growth and helps create markets and opportunity. IFC offers long-term financing, sustainability-linked financing, and industry-leading expertise to partner with the private sector to not only develop infrastructure projects that provide essential services, but also ensure social and environmental standards are met.

English | 2 pages | IFC 2022

Jan 14, 2022

Sector Overview | Energy

Energy access drives inclusive growth, creates jobs and strengthens economies. IFC helps bridge the development divide in emerging markets by financing power generation, transmission and distribution projects. IFC’s investment and advisory work takes place across a range of technologies, with an emphasis on low-cost renewable energy.

English | 2 pages | IFC 2022

Jan 14, 2022

Sector Overview | Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory

Across the infrastructure sector, companies are facing increasing demands for corporate transparency and stakeholder engagement. Institutional investors and shareholders are aware of the connection between stronger environmental, social, and governance standards and reduced project risks. Many leading companies are exploring new ways to ensure that local communities share in the benefits of their projects and that their operations remain sustainable for the long term.

English | 2 pages | IFC 2020

Jan 14, 2022

Sector Overview | Sustainable Mining

Metals and minerals underpin the devices, vehicles, and infrastructure that link the world, connect the unconnected, and bridge the digital divide. They are necessary ingredients for a low-carbon future and foundational to the goal of equitable, inclusive, and sustainable growth. In many resource-rich developing countries, mining is a major contributor to GDP, creating jobs, and generating revenue for governments. Sustainable mining also offers the opportunity to bring tangible long-term benefits to the people who live in the surrounding communities.

English | 2 pages | IFC 2022

Jan 14, 2022

Sector Overview | Water

More than a quarter of the world’s population lacks access to safe drinking water. In many countries, the existing water infrastructure provides neither comprehensive sanitation services nor adequate wastewater treatment. With the COVID-19 pandemic still challenging public health services around the world, and regional ecosystems threatened by polluted wastewater, financing the expansion of water infrastructure is more important than ever. Water service improvements are complex and expensive. IFC works with clients in emerging markets to build innovative, market-oriented and long-term solutions to water infrastructure challenges.

English | 2 pages | IFC 2022

Jan 14, 2022

Sector Overview | Municipal & Environmental Infrastructure

As cities in emerging economies continue to grow, access to safe water, sustainable waste management and other municipal infrastructure must expand to meet demand. More than 150 million city dwellers lack efficient, affordable connections to water services and 700 million live without adequate sanitation, according to the United Nations. Lack of clean water is a serious public health concern, especially in the wake of the COVD-19 pandemic. Poor sanitation also poses significant environmental challenges. The cost and complexity of addressing these problems is very high. As a result, innovative market-oriented long-term solutions are needed.

English | 2 pages | IFC 2022

Jan 14, 2022

Infrastructure Sectors Overview

Infrastructure Sectors Overview

English | 2022 IFC

Dec 15, 2021

Short Term Effects of COVID-19 on Digital Infrastructure in Emerging Markets

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the value of digital connectivity and has had numerous and at times contrasting effects on the digital infrastructure sector. Among these effects are an increased demand for quality digital connectivity, driven by falling telecommunications prices in certain countries and an increase in network capacity in others, set against a backdrop in emerging markets (EMs) of a digital divide that pre-dated the pandemic. This note leverages data from industry sources and an IFC survey of digital infrastructure companies to assess the short-term effects of COVID-19 on digital infrastructure in emerging markets. The note concludes with a discussion of emerging trends and their implications for public policy and corporate and investment strategies in support of the development of the digital infrastructure sector in emerging markets in the recovery phase of the pandemic and beyond.

Nov 9, 2021

Co-Investment Options in Infrastructure: A Guide for Institutional Investors

Pacific nations face many challenges in the delivery of essential infrastructure in sectors such as sustainable energy, health, transport, logistics and telecommunications. It’s estimated that from 2016 through to 2030, US$46 billion in investment is needed to overcome the region’s infrastructure deficit.

Sep 29, 2021

Investing in Sustainable Access to Communications

The report contributes to the growth and development of innovative solution providers for telecom sites located in areas with no access to electricity or substandard access by providing insights into the growth perspectives of the TESCO market globally. It also leverages existing investment opportunities to expand digital connectivity to rural/remote areas while reducing the carbon footprint of telecom operators.

English | 90 pages | IFC 2021

Aug 1, 2021

The Business Case for Gender-Responsive Climate-Smart Mining

This document illustrates how gender-responsive climate-smart mining (CSM) strategies are good for business and good for the planet. It outlines entry points for gender considerations within the pillars of the CSM Initiative and enlists recommendations for different stakeholders such as companies, government and civil society to engage.

Jul 29, 2021

Sector Notes | COVID-19's Impact on Infrastructure

The COVID–19 outbreak has significantly impacted infrastructure development and the global economy. International response to the rapid disruption to key infrastructure sectors and industries is ongoing. IFC’s COVID–19 infrastructure sector notes provide a quick and short analyses on the impact of the pandemic on different infrastructure sectors while proposing recommendations for an effective response to this global crisis.

English | 2020 IFC

Jul 28, 2021

The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Subnational Governments in Emerging Markets: The Outlook One Year On

Subnational governments in emerging market cities have undoubtedly felt the brunt of the COVID-19 crisis. Cities have been at the forefront of the pandemic, given both the impact it has had on their budgets and their citizens, and their central role in managing it. In our October 2020 note, we shared thoughts on what the crisis could mean for cities. More than a year after the crisis first hit, we now project gradual recovery for subnational governments in the second half of 2021 and 2022. This should support investment and lending activity by development finance institutions (DFIs) to help address infrastructure needs globally.

English | 5 pages | IFC 2021

Jun 17, 2021

Enabling A Competitive Mobile Sector in Emerging Markets Through the Development of Tower Companies

Sharing mobile network infrastructure through specialized companies called towercos is a business model with the potential to accelerate access to quality mobile connectivity for individuals and businesses in emerging markets. A significant number of developing countries have yet to adopt this model, however, and many others continue to struggle with competition issues within their tower markets. This note provides the rationale and policy options for a light regulatory regime that can enable the entry and sustainable development of a dynamic market for towercos in emerging markets. The note also discusses the evolution of the towerco model into small cells and distributed antenna systems, both of which help enable high-speed mobile connectivity technologies like 4G and 5G.

English | 8 pages—June—Note 104 | IFC 2021

Jun 3, 2021

The Power of Batteries to Expand Renewable Energy in Emerging Markets

The global power and transportation sectors of the future will be fundamentally different from today, igniting opportunities for investment in new technologies that can bolster resilience and lower carbon emissions. One of those key technologies is batteries, which are creating increasingly compelling solutions for storing and distributing renewable energy.

Jun 3, 2021

Hydrogen's New Horizon— Scaling Up Clean Hydrogen for the Power Sector

EMERGING ENERGY SOLUTIONS A series on emerging energy trends and opportunities from IFC

Jun 3, 2021

Emerging Energy Solutions

Emerging Energy Solutions

Apr 28, 2021

Enabling Private Investment in 5G Connectivity in Emerging Markets—An Assessment of Challenges and Policy Options

This note proposes a high-level framework to assess challenges and policy options to enabling private sector-led investment in 5G connectivity in emerging markets. 5G is the latest mobile network technology and it has the potential to provide high-speed Internet connectivity and enable digital transformation across multiple sectors of an economy. The proposed framework leverages industry data to articulate the digital divide and benchmark the enabling environment for 5G connectivity in emerging markets. The note concludes with recommendations on policy options and business strategies, drawing from early experiences in advanced markets and major opportunities and challenges in emerging markets.

English | 8 pages — April —Note 102 | IFC 2021

Apr 15, 2021

Gender-Responsive Training Methods: A Guidance Note

This Guidance Note highlights how training initiatives can respond to women and men’s different needs and learning preferences. It is intended to strengthen the skills and practice of training providers who run technical business courses for entrepreneurs—whether face to face, or virtually.

Jan 21, 2021

Mining Royalties Data in Colombia: Data at Work for the Voice of the People

IFC presents a set of recommendations for governments, industry and civil society aimed at improving data disclosure and use practices of mining royalty data to provide citizens with complete, relevant and actionable information.

Jan 31, 2022

Supporting Companies to Develop and Manage Community-Based Grievance and Feedback Mechanisms Regarding Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment

This toolkit is intended to support private sector companies to amend existing community-based grievance and feedback mechanisms, or develop new mechanisms, that are designed to receive and effectively manage reports of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

20 pages | © January 2022 IFC | Complimentary

Dec 31, 2021

Trishuli Assessment Tool Field Manual: A Standardized Methodology for Freshwater Aquatic Biodiversity Sampling and Long-Term Monitoring for Hydropower Projects in the Himalayan Region

This field manual provides guidance for implementing the Trishuli Assessment Tool in the rivers of Nepal and other Himalayan regions.

108 pages | @ December 2021 IFC | Complimentary

Dec 10, 2021

IFC ESG Guidebook

IFC has created this guidebook as part of a broader effort to raise awareness of ESG issues among companies and investors in developing markets.

84 pages | © December 2021 IFC | Complimentary

Oct 29, 2021

Accelerating Sustainable Finance Together: Global Progress Report of the Sustainable Banking and Finance Network

The third SBFN Global Progress Report captures the significant increase in collective efforts across all parts of the financial sector, and between regulators and industry, to develop shared enabling frameworks for sustainable finance.

116 pages | © October 2021 IFC | Complimentary

Oct 1, 2021

How to Support Your Company to Write and Implement a Workplace Policy for Prevention of Sexual Harassment

This tip sheet provides ‘How To’ steps for integrating the systematic prevention of sexual harassment into human resources policies.

14 pages | © October 2021 IFC | Complimentary

Oct 1, 2021

How to Support Your Company to Write and Implement an Employee Code of Conduct for Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

This tip sheet provides ‘How To’ steps to ensure that prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment is systematically integrated into codes of conduct.

14 pages | © October 2021 IFC | Complimentary

Oct 1, 2021

How to Support Your Company to Establish and Manage a Worker Grievance Mechanism for Sexual Harassment

This tip sheet provides ‘How To’ steps to ensure that the issue of addressing sexual harassment is systematically integrated into company grievance processes.

14 pages | © October 2021 IFC | Complimentary

Oct 1, 2021

How to Support Your Company to Develop a Community-Based Grievance Mechanism for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

This tip sheet provides ‘How To’ steps for addressing gender-related grievances from affected communities, including stakeholder consultation and how to set up a community-based grievance mechanism.

14 pages | © October 2021 IFC | Complimentary

Jun 30, 2021

Strategy for Sustainable Hydropower Development in the Jhelum Poonch River Basin Pakistan

The strategy for sustainable hydropower development described in this document aims to balance conservation and development as well as minimize the negative environmental and social impacts of hydropower projects in the basin.

334 pages | © June 2021 IFC | Complimentary

Jun 4, 2021

Sustainability Case Studies: Lessons Learned on Leading Through Crisis and Recovering Stronger

This publication features practical guidance from successful women business leaders on how companies can build their resilience. It is based on survey data, first-hand experience, and lessons learned as these women—all working in emerging markets or fragile contexts—steered their organizations through the COVID-19 crisis.

14 pages | © June 2021 IFC | Complimentary

May 25, 2021

Artificial Intelligence Solutions to Support Environmental, Social, and Governance Integration in Emerging Markets

This paper describes the potential approaches for institutional investors and asset managers to align their investment strategies for emerging markets with the Sustainable Development Goals through environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-integrated investments.

30 pages | © May 2021 IFC, Amundi | Complimentary

Apr 30, 2021

Boosting Tourism: Environmental and Social Diagnostic of the Tourism Sector in Solomon Islands' Western Province

This study gives investors an overview of the potential environmental and social (E&S) risks, impacts, and opportunities, with a focus on a tourism corridor in the Western Province, Solomon Islands, and how to reduce potential risks and impacts to realize the tourism development opportunities.

232 pages | © April 2021 | Complimentary

Mar 25, 2021

Good Practice Note for the Private Sector: Addressing the Risks of Retaliation Against Project Stakeholders

IDB Invest and IFC have developed this guidance to provide our clients and other private sector companies and their consultants with practical advice for screening, preventing, and responding to reprisals.

58 pages | © March 2021 IFC, IDB Invest | Complimentary

Feb 26, 2021

Special Guidance: Disclosure and Transparency in Crisis - Increasing Resilience and Building Trust During and After COVID-19

This Special Guidance is designed to help both listed and privately-owned companies disclose what they are doing to manage the economic, environmental, and social impacts of the pandemic, using IFC's Disclosure and Transparency Framework, which is focused on strategy, governance, and performance.

20 pages | © February 2021 | Complimentary

Dec 9, 2020

Case Study: Exploring Client Approaches to Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response - Alcazar Energy, Egypt

Alcazar Energy recognizes that workplace bullying, and in particular any forms of sexual harassment, could impact business operations and the employee’s wellbeing.

8 pages | © December 2020 IFC | Complimentary

Dec 9, 2020

Case Study: Exploring Client Approaches to Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response - TAQA Arabia, Energy, Egypt

TAQA Arabia recognized a need to consider specific risks for women as part of the project’s environmental, social, and health and safety requirements.

6 pages | © December 2020 IFC | Complimentary

Dec 9, 2020

Case Study: Exploring Client Approaches to Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response - Asyaport, Infrastructure, Turkey

The case study explores how the company has taken action to promote equal opportunities and highlights the the implementation of the company’s Environmental and Social Action Plan.

7 pages | © December 2020 IFC | Complimentary

Dec 9, 2020

Case Study: Exploring Client Approaches to Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response - Gas Natural Açu (GNA), Energy, Brazil

The case study explores how the company has implemented key elements for prevention of gender-based violence and sexual harassment within the workplace.

9 pages | © December 2020 IFC | Complimentary

Dec 9, 2020

Case Study: Exploring Client Approaches to Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response - Bioparques de Occidente, Agribusiness and Forestry, Mexico

The case study explores how the company has implemented a holistic approach towards the prevention of gender-based violence and sexual harassment within the workplace and its worker housing complexes.

10 pages | © December 2020 IFC | Complimentary

Nov 11, 2020

Disclosure and Transparency During COVID-19 – Increasing Resilience and Building Trust During and After the Pandemic

This tip sheet provides guidance for both listed and privately-owned companies on how to disclose what they are doing to manage the economic, environmental, and social impacts of the pandemic, using IFC’s Disclosure and Transparency Framework, which is focused on strategy, governance, and performance.

7 pages | © November 2020 IFC | Complimentary

Sep 21, 2020

Powered by Women - Business Case for Gender Diversity and Equality in Nepal’s Hydropower Sector

This Powered by Women report was developed by International Finance Corporation (IFC) as part of its commitment to mainstream gender into its programs. By building the Business Case for Gender Equality and Diversity in Nepal’s Hydropower sector, this report provides the foundation for the Powered by Women Initiative to help companies promote business growth and efficiency and enhance sustainability through increased gender diversity.

50 pages | © September 2020 IFC | Complimentary

Jul 14, 2020

Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Harassment: Emerging Good Practice for the Private Sector

This publication outlines emerging practices in addressing gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in operations and investments, while accompanying sector-specific briefs provide targeted guidance on addressing GBVH risks in key sectors, including transport, construction and manufacturing.

96 pages | © July 2020 IFC, EBRD, CDC Group | Complimentary

Jul 8, 2020

Interim Advice for IFC and EBRD Clients on Migrant Workers and COVID-19

This Interim Advice provides guidance to European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) clients on how to respond to the particular challenges experienced by migrant workers during the COVID-19 outbreak.

13 pages | © July 2020 IFC, EBRD | Complimentary

Jun 22, 2020

Necessary Ambition: How Low-Income Countries Are Adopting Sustainable Finance to Address Poverty, Climate Change, and Other Urgent Challenges

This report is the first comprehensive review of drivers and innovation behind market-level efforts to promote sustainable finance in low-income countries.

64 pages | © June 2020 IFC | Complimentary

Jun 12, 2020

Addressing Increased Reprisals Risk in the Context of COVID-19

The purpose of this tip sheet is to provide practical advice that businesses can follow to minimize risk of reprisals, and to flag specific issues that could be exacerbated in a COVID-19 context.

7 pages | © June 2020 IFC | Complimentary