Resource Guide to Consulting, Supply and Contracting Opportunities in Projects financed by the World Bank

Each year, the World Bank lends billions of dollars to developing countries to support poverty reduction. The Bank provides loans, credits, guarantees, and technical assistance to member country governments, government agencies, or private institutions that can obtain their government’s guarantee.

Some of this lending comes in the form of Development Policy Support Loans or Credits. The proceeds of these loans are used by developing countries to mitigate the costs of wide-reaching policy reforms. Investment loans or credits provide financing for a wide range of activities aimed at creating the physical and social infrastructure necessary for poverty alleviation and sustainable development.

Recipients of investment loans require goods, equipment, civil works and consulting services to carry out the activities under the loan/credit. Therefore, the projects supported by these loans or credits are a source of business opportunities for local and international firms/organizations.

Who can benefit ?

Companies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals from member countries of the World Bank are eligible to compete for these business opportunities. Within any given project, there can be literally hundreds of business opportunities varying in size from as little as a few thousand dollars to as large as tens of millions of dollars. How the World Bank and how borrowing countries buy or “procure” goods and services varies as well.

This guide is intended for people who would like to learn about the business opportunities that exist as part of World Bank investment loans. The guide is divided into the following sections :
 The World Bank’s Project Cycle
 Business Opportunities Basics
 Business Opportunities in the Project Pipeline
 Business Opportunities in Project Implementation
 Procurement Methods
 Where to Find Business Opportunities
 Understanding the Role of World Bank Staff
 Frequently Asked Questions

For more information on World Bank lending policies and programs, visit www. worldbank.org