Supporting the development of sustainable infrastructure and networks

brt dakar bus proparco meridiam durable propre sénégal — Dakar Mobilité

Telecommunications, transport, drinking water and sanitation, waste management, etc. Proparco works alongside sustainable project owners to guarantee access to essential goods and services for local people, but also to enhance the attractiveness of the cities and regions concerned.

Infrastructure plays a vital role in improving living conditions in emerging countries. By supporting their development, Proparco helps drive economic growth, create sustainable cities and open up regions.

Developing telecommunications and digital infrastructure

To reduce the digital divide, diversify economies and create jobs, Proparco supports the growth of private telecommunications operators in emerging countries. Many of the projects supported aim to expand mobile phone networks or roll out broadband, transport or data storage infrastructure to facilitate access to mobile banking services or apps with a social purpose, such as tele-learning or telemedicine.

Project focus - Supporting digital coverage in Africa with WIOCC

In 2024, Proparco teamed up with IFC to provide financing for the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) Group, one of sub-Saharan Africa’s leading connectivity providers. The loans will be used to develop data centres in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and South Africa. Proparco's support is rounded out by technical assistance to help WIOCC establish and steer its decarbonisation pathway.

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Striving for efficient transport networks

As a sponsor of sustainable mobility and regional connectivity, Proparco partners projects to build, extend or upgrade public transport networks and rail, road, port and airport infrastructure. Expanded, denser transport networks give people easier access to jobs and basic goods and services. They are a valuable means of integrating outlying neighbourhoods into the urban fabric, improving urban-rural connections, and boosting import-export volumes. Proparco favours the most environment- and climate-friendly local solutions.

Project focus - Supporting the deployment of Dakar's future electric bus network

In Senegal, Dakar Mobilité secured a loan of €85.4 million in 2023, allocated in equal parts by the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund and Proparco. The loan was used to finance equipment for a 100% electric bus network in the suburbs of the Senegalese capital, designed to provide affordable transport solutions for around 300,000 passengers a day.

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Tackling the challenges of responsible water management

In the context of climate change, sustainable management of drinking water (protecting its quality and controlling demand) and wastewater management are critical issues, particularly in emerging countries. Whether the project involves setting up an integrated water resource management system, improving network efficiency or increasing storage and sanitation capacities, Proparco mobilises its resources in support of water sector stakeholders.

Project focus - Drinking water for all: the work of Águas do Rio in Brazil

As part of the privatisation of water and sanitation services in the Brazilian state of Rio, the private sector company Águas do Rio – backed by IDB Invest and Proparco – was awarded two concessions in 2021, covering services for 10 million people. The expansion and greater reliability of the service – managed using state-of-the-art technology – has transformed the lives of the residents concerned, particularly in certain favelas of Rio.

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Improving waste management, collection and treatment

Proparco funds projects aimed at limiting the environmental impact of waste by reducing its production, maximising recycling and/or incorporating waste collection into a circular management approach. Its action focuses in particular on improving urban sanitation.

Project focus - Casablanca: a revolution in connected waste with Arma

In 2021, Arma, concession holder for sanitation and household waste collection services in four prefectures in Casablanca, obtained a guarantee from Proparco on financing provided by the Moroccan Bank for Trade and Industry. By facilitating the digitalisation of rolling stock, the operation has optimised collection routes and improved service monitoring.

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