The World Bank Group has inaugurated the next phase of its Private Sector Investment Lab (PSIL), with a renewed focus on scaling up proven investment solutions and promoting job creation in developing economies.
A statement issued by the World Bank said the initiative also expands the Lab’s membership to include leaders from sectors critical to economic growth, such as infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing.
“These industries have a proven capacity to convert investment into employment and inclusive economic opportunities,” the statement noted, aligning with the Bank’s core focus on job creation as a central pillar of development.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga stated, “With the expanded membership, we are embedding this initiative into our broader operations and linking it to our jobs agenda. This is not just altruism—it’s about helping the private sector identify investment opportunities that deliver returns while lifting people and economies.”
Over the past 18 months, the Lab convened global financial leaders to identify key barriers to private sector investment in developing nations and pilot actionable solutions. These efforts have now crystallised into five priority areas: regulatory and policy certainty, political risk insurance, foreign exchange risk, junior equity capital, and securitisation.
The newly added members include Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer AG; Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chair of Bharti Enterprises; Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group; and Mark Hoplamazian, CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Founding members include senior executives from AXA, BlackRock, HSBC, Macquarie, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, and others. The Lab is chaired by Shriti Vadera, Chair of Prudential Plc.
Vadera expressed gratitude for the first phase’s success and welcomed the support of new members to sustain the Lab’s momentum.
Also quoted was Sunil Bharti Mittal, who said: “The World Bank Group is taking bold steps to foster economic growth in emerging markets. I’ve seen how connectivity transforms communities, and I believe the telecom sector’s lessons can benefit the Lab’s next chapter.”
