Tapping the potential of borrower-led multilateral development banks

31st January 2023

Tapping the potential of borrower-led multilateral development banks

About 30 multilateral development banks (MDBs) operate across the globe today. While the World Bank and major regional MDBs (the ‘legacy’ MDBs) have a high profile, most MDBs are less well known. In light of the serious challenges facing the world and the limitations of other development agencies, it should be a priority to integrate these MDBs into the international agenda and strengthen their capacity.

Although most borrower-led MDBs remain relatively small, they are growing rapidly. The outstanding loan portfolios of 10 borrower-led MDBs grew from $7.2 billion to $73.4 billion between 2000 and 2021 – a 920% increase over two decades. Growth has been led by the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), Afreximbank, the Trade and Development Bank (TDB) and the West African Development Bank (BOAD). The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB), the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the Financial Fund for the Development of La Plata Basin (FONPLATA) have grown more modestly, while the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and the East African Development Bank (EADB) remain small.

This paper provides an overview of the governance, operational and financial characteristics of 10 borrower-led MDBs operating in low- and middle-income countries, offers three case studies highlighting their innovations and developmental potential, and proposes policy options to help improve the effectiveness of these MDBs.

This is the first in a series of studies on borrower-led MDBs. Upcoming papers will examine in more detail the challenges and opportunities faced by borrower-led MDBs, linking their governance with their financial context and operational attributes.

Report by the Overseas Development Institute