Cape Town: Finance in Common Summit 2025 (FiCS)
The Finance in Common Summit (FiCS) 2025, co-hosted by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), will take place from February 26 to 28, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa. This global event will bring together over 2,000 key stakeholders from the financial world, including public development banks, private sector representatives, philanthropic organizations, decision-makers, and experts in sustainable development.
The theme for this edition is “Fostering Infrastructure and Finance for Just and Sustainable Growth”, aiming to rethink how infrastructure and finance can be leveraged to promote inclusive, sustainable, and equitable growth. The summit serves as a unique platform for participants to collaborate, share knowledge, and develop concrete solutions to current global challenges.
Three key themes of the summit:
- Inclusive Finance: Highlighting innovative financial models that promote sustainable growth and reduce inequalities worldwide. This includes tailored financial solutions for underserved populations and developing countries.
- Digital Transformation: Ensuring that digitalization of services and infrastructure bridges the digital divide, leaving no one behind. Discussions will focus on the accessibility of technology and its central role in economic and social transitions.
- Infrastructure for Climate Action: Strengthening infrastructure resilience to climate change while enabling vulnerable regions to adapt to the effects of global warming.
What to expect:
- Keynote and plenary sessions: Insights from world leaders and industry experts on the future of sustainable finance and infrastructure.
- Breakout sessions: In-depth discussions on new strategies, emerging technologies, and practical solutions for sustainable finance, biodiversity, digital inclusion, and more.
- Networking and business matchmaking: Opportunities to build lasting partnerships and explore collaborations between the public and private sectors, opening the door to impactful investments.
This summit aligns with the global effort to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on financial innovation, energy transition, and digital integration.
Practical Details:
Registrations are open on the official event website. Registered participants will receive an official invitation before beginning their visa application process. This summit presents a unique opportunity for stakeholders in sustainable finance to actively engage in reshaping financial models for more equitable and sustainable development.
Organizer
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank founded in 2016, with the mission of financing infrastructure for tomorrow in Asia and beyond, with a focus on sustainability. AIIB supports infrastructure projects that integrate innovative, sustainable, and connected solutions. With a capital base of USD 100 billion and an AAA rating from major credit agencies, the bank has rapidly expanded, reaching 110 members worldwide. By collaborating with partners, AIIB unlocks capital for green, technology-enabled infrastructure, fostering regional connectivity and supporting sustainable development goals.
Governance and Management Model
AIIB’s governance is characterized by a transparent and accountable approach. The institution has implemented an effective governance model, with a non-resident Board of Directors that oversees the bank’s operations, as well as a monitoring mechanism ensuring independence, transparency, and efficiency. The bank also adapted its governance to respond swiftly to the economic and social needs of its members, particularly during the pandemic.
Growth and Impact
Since its inception, AIIB has quickly expanded its influence, growing from 57 founding members to 103 members by 2020. The bank has earned AAA credit ratings from agencies such as Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch, which enabled it to diversify into international capital markets. In 2018, AIIB was granted Permanent Observer status at the United Nations, further reinforcing its global role in development finance.
In summary, AIIB plays a central role in financing sustainable infrastructure in Asia, while supporting regional integration and connectivity through innovative financial solutions.
The DBSA is a government-owned development finance institution founded in 1983, with the primary mission of promoting economic growth and regional integration through sustainable development projects and programs across Africa. By supporting the continent in developing sustainable social and economic infrastructure, DBSA strives to improve the quality of life for populations and foster regional integration.
Goal and Mission
DBSA’s goal is to “build Africa’s prosperity” by supporting inclusive growth through innovative solutions that drive socio-economic development. This is achieved by mobilizing financial resources for sustainable infrastructure projects. Additionally, the institution works towards sustainability by promoting the efficient use of scarce resources and supporting regional integration.
Values and Sectors of Focus
DBSA is guided by values such as shared vision, integrity, high performance, innovation, and service orientation. Its portfolio spans essential sectors critical to Africa’s development, such as economic and social infrastructure, energy, ICT, water and sanitation, as well as health and education.
Innovation and Strategy
DBSA is positioned as a provider of integrated infrastructure solutions, developing structured financial instruments and innovative investment vehicles to catalyze the financing of infrastructure projects across the African continent. With over three decades of experience, it is dedicated to making a sustainable impact on development.
In summary, DBSA plays a key role in transforming Africa by facilitating the creation of sustainable infrastructure that supports economic growth and regional integration.
