International finance co-operation(IFC) to raise 5billion dollars for infrastructure investment

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has launched a programme that aims to raise $5 billion from global institutional investors to modernise infrastructure in emerging markets over the next five years.

The programme it said, would open up a new stream of capital flows to improve power, water, transportation, and telecommunications systems in developing countries.

The initiative, called MCPP Infrastructure, builds on the success of IFC's Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program, a loan-syndications initiative that enables third-party investors to participate passively in IFC's senior loan portfolio.

In its first phase, the program allocated $3 billion from the People's Bank of China across 70 deals in less than two years. It demonstrated how large investors can benefit from delegating the processes of deal origination and approvals to IFC.

The first partnership under the program was signed with the global insurance company Allianz. Under the agreement, Allianz intends to invest $500 million, which will be channeled into IFC debt financing for infrastructure projects in emerging markets.

IFC is also in advanced discussions with Eastspring Investments, the Asian asset management business of Prudential, for a commitment of $500 million. Similar discussions are being conducted with AXA, also for a commitment of $500 million.