South Asia

IFC has launched two large offshore and onshore programs in India, mobilizing international capital markets to support infrastructure development. We are deepening capital markets for other countries including Bangladesh and introducing thematic bonds in the region.

Bangladesh’s garment sector accounts for 20 percent of the country’s GDP and employs over 4 million people. IFC is helping facilitate investments, improve construction and fire safety, labor and environmental standards, and establish the conditions for it to grow in a sustainable way.

Over 650 million people are unbanked in South Asia. IFC is tapping opportunities to enhance access to financial services and leveraging innovative technology solutions to extend financial inclusion.

South Asia has one of the largest economic gender gaps, reflected in low female labor force participation and women’s low access to assets and mobility. IFC’s work on gender in the region focuses on enabling more and better-quality jobs for women, promoting financial inclusion (particularly for women owned SMEs) and expanding digital access and market connections for women entrepreneurs.

Close to 500 million people across South Asia are not connected to the grid. IFC is working to improve critical infrastructure and invest in clean energy solutions that also enable better regional integration.

Every month, one million people enter South Asia’s workforce. IFC’s investments in financial institutions support small and medium enterprises and help build skills through our knowledge tools such as Grow Learn Connect.

IFC is working to accelerate access to broadband technologies in South Asia such as optic fiber and 4G, and related infrastructure, including towers and datacenters.