Welcome to our strategy
Our new strategy sets out how we will respond to a rapidly changing world while staying true to our mission to improve lives and create opportunities across Africa and Asia. Drawing on what we’ve learned from 2022–26, it sharpens our focus on where our capital and expertise can have the greatest impact in the years ahead – to build markets and transform lives.
Our strategy at a glance
of new investments to climate finance
of new core investments to gender finance
The context for our work
The world around us is changing rapidly, and we recognise the need to adapt. Our new strategy responds to three big shifts.
Financing for development is changing
Governments face growing pressure on public finances so development finance institutions must focus on the sectors that deliver the greatest impact for economic growth.
The gap between countries is widening
This makes it harder to build a fairer and more sustainable future for everyone.
Tackling climate change is more urgent than ever
Progress on cutting emissions has slowed, and many developing countries still lack the investment needed for clean energy and climate resilience.
Our strategic shifts
Shift 01
Focus on what matters most for development
Making markets work better for the people they serve.
Explore this shift →
Shift 02
Sustain the UK’s commitment to the Least Developed Countries
Directing capital to some of the hardest places to invest but where our capital can have the greatest impact.
Explore this shift →
Shift 03
Accelerate private capital flows into emerging markets
Mobilising private investment alongside our own to multiply impact.
Explore this shift →
What we will invest in
Financial services
We will invest to expand access to finance for underserved groups and strengthen the resilience of financial systems.
Power, trade and digital infrastructure
We will tackle the infrastructure gaps that limit growth by investing in affordable, sustainable power, modern trade links and expanded digital connectivity.
Sustainable industries
We will focus on strengthening industry and agriculture so they can create jobs, improve food security, and reduce emissions over time.
Partnerships with capital managers
We will reach markets and investment segments we can’t access directly, while strengthening the wider investment ecosystem.
How we will measure success
Transparent performance metrics
We will measure and report transparently on progress against our goals, including our total commitments, amount mobilised, commitments to frontier markets, gender finance and climate finance, and our financial return.
Evaluating our impact
Evaluations will continue to play a central role. They will track our progress on strategic priorities, and highlight what works and what we need to adapt.
Sharing lessons learned
We will move beyond publishing thought leadership to more intentionally promoting the sharing of key lessons and outcomes between our stakeholders.
