Private Sector & Development magazine articles

The strategic importance that the SUEZ group attaches to innovation is reflected in increased resources and a specifically designed organisation chart. Innovation at SUEZ underpins the transformation of businesses throughout the water and waste management value chain. Although it is based on technological progress, it also relies on training and knowledge transfer. As a structurally determining operating basis for the Group, it meets both commercial and environmental objectives.

The drinking water sector in semi-urban and rural Africa has long been considered unprofitable and has not attracted the interest of the private sector. However, over 50% of the continent's population is affected by unsafe services, highlighting a significant market opportunity. Developing sustainable drinking water services in these regions remains a challenge, and the involvement of the private sector must be tailored to local conditions. Nevertheless, it is possible to create profitable, sustainable, and equitable services by considering economic constraints, establishing an appropriate regulatory framework, and developing suitable financing solutions.

Guided by AFD and Proparco, DIWACO is addressing water scarcity in Jordan. Due to its record, the project is attracting interest from investors and commercial banks – notwithstanding its emerging market and geopolitical risk context. The DFIs’ involvement has been key to the financing and technical, environmental, social, and regulatory aspects of the project.

The World Bank estimates that to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, $114 billion per year will be needed for new water and sanitation infrastructure. To this end, WaterEquity was established to mobilize and scale private investment in emerging markets.

Prior to 1997, the East Zone of Metro Manila was faced with numerous water problems, for example only 26% of the area’s population had access to a continuous water supply. However, the city was able to overcome this serious problem with the emergence of Manila Water whose efforts led to a significant overall improvement in water supply and sanitation services.

Although access to safe drinking water and sanitation are clearly human rights, these needs are far from being met. For some populations, they are even deteriorating - because demand is growing faster than supply. To meet this challenge, a results-based approach needs to be adoptedeverywhere and the different sector stakeholders need to look beyond their own interests in favour of collective goals, and funding needs to drive ‘leverage effects’ to facilitate many more initiatives.

As part of the programme to privatise water and sanitation services in the State of Rio, the private company Águas do Rio - supported by IDB Invest and Proparco - was awarded management of two concessions in 2021, covering areas where almost 10 million people live. Connection to a reliable water network, managed using leading-edge technology, has revolutionised the lives of local residents, mainly in a number of Rio’s favelas. Report.

Facilité d’Investissement et de Soutien aux Entreprises en Afrique (FISEA - Facility for investing in and supporting African business) is one of the first venture capital investment initiatives set up by AFD Group to support fragile countries. It was launched in 2009 and topped up in 2021 as part of the Choose Africa initiative. The initiative currently totals €490 million, part of which is earmarked specifically for investments in fragile countries.

Fragile and Conflict-affected Settings (FCS) may be characterized by illegal armed groups, organized crime and violence, ethnic and sectarian tensions, inapt land tenure regimes, corruption, and interwoven legal, informal, and illicit economies. In such a setting, investment, job creation and economic growth may not by themselves mitigate conflict and fragility or make societies more peaceful and stable. Investors who do not account for these characteristics of FCS may inadvertently sustain the very forms of fragility and conflict that they hope to transform. Conflict-sensitive approaches are, therefore, imperative.

The FEFISOL II fund - which supports rural microfinance institutions and agricultural structures - and the Entrepreneurs du Monde association - which works towards the social and economic integration of highly vulnerable people - are working in distressed parts of Africa. By financing and supporting microfinance institutions, agricultural structures and micro-businesses, and factoring in climate and environmental issues, both the Fund and the association are improving the living conditions of many vulnerable workers, enhancing food security and responding to emergency situations by adapting their actions to rapidly changing crisis environments.