The World Bank Group mobilized a record $112 billion in private capital for developing economies in fiscal year 2026.
The figure has more than tripled from $35 billion in 2022. The Group’s own financing, combined with private capital, took total financing above $200 billion during the year.
The increase matters for countries such as Sri Lanka that need more private investment to support businesses and create jobs.
However, the World Bank Group did not announce a specific allocation for Sri Lanka in the latest figures.
More private money for developing economies
Private capital mobilization to lower-middle-income countries rose from $14 billion in 2022 to $37 billion in 2026.
The figure for upper-middle-income countries increased from $12 billion to $50 billion. Low-income countries received about $3 billion in private capital mobilization. The Group said this level remained broadly unchanged.
Across Africa, private capital mobilization rose from about $9 billion to $22 billion. The World Bank Group said it has changed how it works with private investors over the past three years.
The changes include simpler processes, more guarantees and greater use of local-currency financing. The Group has also worked on foreign-exchange risks and ways to help investors put more money into developing economies.
Guarantees pass $25 billion
The World Bank Group issued more than $25 billion in guarantees during fiscal year 2026.
The figure passed its $20 billion annual target for 2030 four years ahead of schedule. The Guarantee Platform, created in 2024, brings guarantee products from across the World Bank Group into one platform.
Guarantees can help reduce some of the risks that investors face when funding projects in developing economies.
What this could mean for Sri Lanka
The World Bank Group is focusing much of its financing on five sectors that can create jobs.
They are infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and value-added manufacturing. These sectors are also relevant to investment and job creation in Sri Lanka.
In fiscal year 2026, 55% of the Group’s total financing and mobilized capital went to these sectors. The Group said private investment is reaching lower-income economies as well as larger and more developed markets.
Regional and local investors are also taking part in financing businesses.
For Sri Lanka, the opportunity would depend on whether local projects can attract this type of private capital.
That would require projects that investors can assess, clear rules and conditions that reduce investment risks. The latest announcement does not confirm new funding for Sri Lanka.
It does show how the World Bank Group is using its own financing and guarantees to bring more private money into developing economies.
Last modified: September 18, 2026
