Johannesburg, 3 January 2025 - Partnerships and collaborations are the cornerstone of inclusive financing, a pivotal driver of sustainable growth for economies across Africa, the Global South, and Asia. This principle underpins the 2025 Finance in Common Summit (FiCS), a dynamic platform dedicated to accelerating innovative financial solutions tailored for the complexities of the global economy.
Infrastructure forms the backbone of economic development, yet countries in the Global South frequently encounter significant barriers to financing large-scale projects. According to the Global Infrastructure Outlook, there is a projected $15 trillion infrastructure investment gap globally by 2040. Bridging this gap requires inclusive financing mechanisms that align with the Paris Agreement on climate change and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 2025 FiCS stands as a beacon of South Africa’s commitment to advancing inclusive financial strategies, empowering communities across Africa and Asia. By fostering collaboration, the summit seeks to transform aspirations into actionable solutions.
The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has been instrumental in this mission, exemplifying leadership in financial inclusion. The DBSA’s strategic partnerships with institutions such as the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) underscore its dedication to mobilising resources for impactful development. These collaborations have not only benefited South African citizens but have also catalysed progress across the broader African continent.
“Hosting FiCS 2025 alongside the FiCS Secretariat, AFD, and AIIB showcases the power of collaboration for sustainable impact,” notes DBSA CEO Boitumelo Mosako. The DBSA’s efforts in financial inclusion have ranged from providing affordable loans to small businesses and delivering financial literacy programmes to fostering partnerships with international development banks.
Globally, inclusive finance has proven transformative. Research from the World Bank highlights that financial inclusion can increase GDP by up to 14% in developing economies, enabling millions to participate meaningfully in economic activities. The DBSA, as one of the D20 banks, has played a pivotal role in ensuring that global solutions reach the most marginalised communities, leaving no one behind.
The Finance in Common Summit, coupled with South Africa’s leadership at the G20, will elevate discussions on inclusive finance. These platforms will ensure that global dialogues prioritise the needs of developing nations, fostering equity and resilience.
Sustainable growth becomes attainable when global actors converge to cement actionable initiatives. Through public-private partnerships, innovative financing solutions, and strategic global collaborations, the 2025 FiCS aims to unlock the potential of inclusive finance to address critical global challenges.
FiCS 2025 highlights the DBSA’s decades-long contributions, including facilitating over 30,000 jobs and supporting minority-owned businesses. These achievements reflect the bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth, particularly for underrepresented demographics.
Addressing climate change remains a critical priority. As South Africa transitions to a low-carbon economy, financing infrastructure projects aligned with global climate objectives exemplifies how financial inclusion and environmental sustainability can coexist. The World Economic Forum estimates that transitioning to a green economy could unlock $10.3 trillion in market opportunities by 2030, underscoring the importance of aligning financial strategies with sustainability goals.
The summit also emphasises empowering the youth, often excluded from traditional financial systems due to limited collateral. “The summit benefits everyone, from young individuals gaining skills to private sector leaders forging meaningful partnerships,” Mosako explains. “It is an opportunity to collaborate on pressing issues facing the global economy and positions South Africa to influence the global financial architecture.”
Inclusive finance ensures that individuals and businesses, especially those from marginalised communities, have access to the resources needed to thrive. By promoting this approach, DFIs, PDBs, and MDBs contribute to a more equitable and resilient global economy.
As the countdown to FiCS 2025 continues, the summit is poised to encapsulate the aspirations of our era, transforming communities through inclusive financing for sustainable growth. The sense of urgency among stakeholders is matched only by the anticipation for innovative, actionable solutions that address global economic disparities.
When the milestones of FiCS 2025 are celebrated, it will stand as a testament to the power of collaboration, showcasing how inclusive finance can be harnessed to create lasting, transformative impact for generations to come.
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About the Development Bank of Southern Africa
The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is a leading Development Finance Institution (DFI), wholly owned by the government of South Africa. Established in 1983, the DBSA is mandated to promote economic growth and regional integration by mobilising financial and other resources from national and international private and public sectors for sustainable development projects and programmes in South Africa, SADC, and the wider African continent. www.dbsa.org