Organisation: Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is one of several development finance institutions in South and Southern Africa. Its purpose is to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development by funding physical, social and economic infrastructure. DBSA’s goal is to improve the quality of life of the people of the region.

The Bank plays a multiple role of Financier, Advisor, Partner, Implementer and Integrator to mobilise finance and expertise for development projects.

The DBSA will advance development impact in the region by expanding access to development finance and effectively integrating and implementing sustainable development solutions.

The Development Bank’s strategy is under-pinned by two major themes:

a) Generating investment in assets, hard (physical) and soft (human & institutional), that serve the poor, directly and indirectly, and that support broad-based wealth creation (infrastructural and productive capital);

b) Mobilising, developing, applying and sharing knowledge in support of greater development effectiveness, innovation and an enabling developmental environment.

Given the scope of the development challenge, limited resources and many role players, the strategy is focused on the Development Bank acting as a catalyst, integrator, centre of excellence and strategic implementer.

The Bank has adopted a five pronged strategy:

• Co-deliver social and economic infrastructure
• Build human and institutional capacity
• Promote broad-based economic growth, job creation, cooperation, integration and prosperity
• Serve as a centre of excellence for development financing, effectiveness and good governance.
• Engender sustainability, external and internal.

This is supported by eight Strategic Thrusts

• Broadening and deepening development impact
• Black economic empowerment
• Smart partnerships
• Knowledge management
• Responsible risk taking and management
• Innovation and corporate entrepreneurship
• Performance recognition and reward.
• Alignment of strategy, structure, culture and processes.