EBRD donors: playing a vital role

May 29th, 2012

Donors make a difference

Donor partnerships are a vital part of the Bank’s activities from central Europe to central Asia and, most recently, to the southern and eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) region. In 2011 donors provided an unprecedented €434 million to support EBRD investments and policy dialogue.

Supporting early transition countries

Donors support projects which change the lives of many people across the most challenging EBRD countries. These range from providing access to local currency loans in Tajikistan to boosting energy efficiency in Moldova and providing efficient water supply in Kyrgyz Republic.

Western Balkans: private sector growth

The EBRD and donors have stepped up their support for the Western Balkan economies. Promoting private sector development and the efficient use of energy levels through investment and policy dialogue remain Bank priorities.

Promoting sustainable energy

20 bilateral donors and seven multi-donor funds have supported the Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI) which is making economies more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions. In FYR Macedonia, for example, donors supported the construction of the Boskov Most hydropower plant, a source of renewable energy.

Helping to provide basic services and infrastructure

The EBRD needs the support of its donors to rebuild and maintain basic infrastructure, giving people access to reliable services such as clean water, electricity and safe transport. Also thanks to our donors, in Tajikistan 700,000 citizens living in 15 towns are getting safer water supply at home.

Supporting small business

The Bank and donors help financial institutions provide credit to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Donors also support the Small Business Support team, which helps companies become more competitive. For example, with better accounting, ABC Pharmacia in Georgia will be able to enter international markets.

Boosting agribusiness

In 2011 the EBRD’s investments in the agribusiness sector reached €945 million, with donors supporting activities that address inefficiencies in the food value chain and develop a predictable investment environment. For example, a donor-funded programme is helping a Georgian farm to use modern farming techniques to increase its production of tomatoes and cucumbers.

Moving south and east

Generous donor support has enabled the Bank to prepare for future operations in the southern and eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) region. At the end of 2011 the EBRD initiated three donor-funded TC assignments in the region.