This article is part two of a three-part series. You can find the first part here.

Part 2: overcoming limitations in infrastructure finance—a call for innovation and collaboration

Currently, the Global South is reaching a turning point in its development. Despite having enormous potential for development and sustainability, the area has a difficult time funding the infrastructure required to meet these objectives. To reach global climate objectives, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that annual investments in clean energy in emerging economies must rise by more than seven times, from less than 150 billion in 2020 to over 1 trillion by 2030. This startling funding disparity emphasises how urgently creative fixes and teamwork are required to get past the shortcomings of the infrastructure finance systems in place.

The financing gap: a daunting challenge

The infrastructure finance gap in the Global South is a result of structural impediments that prevent capital from flowing freely, not just a lack of funding. According to World Bank estimates, sub-Saharan Africa requires 93 billion per year to address its infrastructure demands, while low- and middle-income nations face an annual infrastructure finance gap of 1.5 trillion. Nevertheless, only a small portion of the necessary funding is being raised, especially for grid modernisation and green energy projects.

The high perceived risk of investing in developing nations is one of the main obstacles. Weak legal frameworks, political unpredictability, and currency fluctuations frequently discourage private investment, raising borrowing costs for governments and project developers. For example, the cost of capital for renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa is 2-3 times higher than in developed countries, according to a 2021 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)

In order to close this funding gap, MDBs are essential. MDBs have the ability to unlock private sector investment and expedite the deployment of sustainable infrastructure projects by utilising their financial resources, technical expertise, and risk mitigation tools. However, the current approach of many MDBs is often constrained by bureaucratic inefficiencies, rigid lending criteria, and a lack of focus on local needs.

For instance, the World Bank’s Guarantee Program has generated over $50 billion in private sector investment by offering risk mitigation instruments such as partial credit guarantees and political risk insurance. Similarly, the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Africa50 infrastructure fund focuses on project planning and development, de-risking projects to attract private participation. The potential of MDBs to spur sustainable development is shown by these initiatives, but more work is required to increase their influence.

Tweaks and improvements: a roadmap for MDBs

To enhance the effectiveness of MDBs, several tweaks and improvements are necessary:

1. Expand risk mitigation instruments: To draw in private sector investment, MDBs should increase their use of guarantees, insurance products, and blended finance mechanisms. For instance, the World Bank Group member Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) offers credit enhancement and political risk insurance to investors in developing nations, reducing risks and facilitating the release of private capital for infrastructure projects
2. Invest in local capacity building: To guarantee the durability and scalability of projects, MDBs should make investments in local organisations and personnel. This covers exchanging knowledge, offering training, and offering technical support. The Asia Pacific Project Preparation Facility (AP3F), for instance, was created by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to aid with project preparation and capacity building in the area
3. Streamline processes: To speed up project implementation, MDBs should streamline and expedite the approval and disbursement procedures. To improve efficiency and transparency, this involves implementing digital technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence. The IDB Lab, for instance, was established by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to promote sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean through digital innovation
4. Promote inclusive governance: The voices of the nations in the Global South should be fairly represented in the decision-making processes, according to MDBs. This entails boosting social participation and gender equality as well as giving emerging nations more sway over elections. To ensure a balanced representation of interests, the AIIB, for instance, has created a governance structure that assigns equal weight to regional and non-regional members

The role of global South governments

Governments in the Global South are also essential in addressing the constraints of infrastructure funding. Governments can foster investment by enacting policy changes, putting together bankable projects, and utilising public-private partnerships (PPPs).

1. Policy reforms: To draw in investment, governments should put in place stable and transparent regulatory frameworks. This entails cutting back on bureaucratic red tape, enhancing contract enforcement, and bolstering property rights. For example, Rwanda has implemented a series of reforms to improve its business environment, making it one of the easiest places to do business in Africa
2. Project preparation: To prepare bankable projects that meet international standards, governments should invest in risk assessments, environmental and social impact assessments, and feasibility studies. For instance, the Philippines has set up the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Centre to assist in the planning and execution of PPP projects
3. Public-private partnerships: To make projects more appealing to investors, governments should use partnerships to divide risks and rewards. This entails creating precise legal and regulatory guidelines for PPPs as well as encouraging accountability and openness. For example, India has launched the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), which aims to attract private investment in infrastructure projects worth $1.4 trillion over the next five years

The potential of green energy and grid transformation

The potential for renewable energy, especially solar and water power, is immense in the Global South. IRENA estimates that 10 terawatts of solar energy may be produced in Africa alone, which would be sufficient to power the continent multiple times over. With projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) anticipated to produce 6,450 MW of electricity, making it the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa, the Global South also has enormous hydropower potential.

However, substantial investments in energy storage and infrastructure change are necessary to realise this promise. The IEA estimates that in order to modernise and extend power infrastructures in emerging nations, $1.2 trillion in investment would be required by 2030. This entails implementing smart grid technology, integrating renewable energy sources, and modernising transmission and distribution networks.

Setting the stage for part 3

Even while financing infrastructure presents many obstacles, they are not insurmountable. Through the expansion of risk mitigation tools, local capacity building investments, process simplification, and inclusive governance, MDBs can be crucial in closing the funding gap. The governments of the Global South must also take proactive measures to foster an investment-friendly climate by utilising public-private partnerships, project planning, and regulatory reforms.

This commentary's third and final section will examine the argument for an ASEAN Development Bank as well as the growing contribution of developed APAC nations like South Korea and Japan to the Global South. We can establish a framework for sustainable development that is more effective and inclusive by encouraging regional solutions and utilising the experience of developed economies.

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