Multilateral development banks: exploring opportunities

07/01/25

Are you an established company seeking to play an active role in sustainable development, poverty reduction and the creation of prosperity and well-being in developing regions? Find out how to engage with the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, the African Development Bank and other multilateral institutions! At the end of this seminar, you’ll know how to get in touch with their representatives, and how to respond to calls for tender to collaborate with these institutions.

About

The World Bank Group and regional development banks play a central role in financing, guiding, supporting, and monitoring governments, projects, and public procurement in developing countries.

As a structural partner to numerous multilateral financial institutions and funds, Belgium actively promotes sustainable growth in developing nations across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. These investments target infrastructure and capacity-building projects developed in close collaboration with the private sector.

This seminar will provide you with valuable insights into the opportunities offered by these institutions, introduce you to the practical aspects of participating in projects and tenders, and offer the chance to engage with Belgian representatives based at these organizations. You’ll also benefit from expert-guided project simulations and tender submissions, hear impactful field testimonials, and enjoy valuable networking opportunities.

To present these institutions and explain their procurement policies and project management systems to Belgian businesses, hub.brussels has come together with the FPS Finance, FPS Foreign Affairs – DG for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, and the Flemish and Walloon Regional Export Promotion Agencies to host this seminar.

This initiative is aimed at entrepreneurs and organizations who seek to amplify their impact and play an active role in sustainable development, poverty reduction, and the creation of prosperity and well-being in developing regions.

Program

This is the provisional program and is subject to change. The various speakers from the institutions will be announced at a later stage.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

08:45 AM – 09:20 AM    Registration, welcome & coffee

09:20 AM – 09:35 AM    Welcome Speech by the FPS Finance

09:35 AM – 10:20 AM    World Bank Group – General Introduction to MDB Procurement

What is a multilateral financial institutions and how does procurement work in this context ?

10:20 AM – 11:05 AM    African Development Bank – Sector and Region-Specific Procurement

What are the regional and sector-specific characteristics of procurement (for instance in Africa) ?

11:05 AM – 11:25 AM    Coffee Break

11:25 AM – 12:10 PM    European Investment Bank – Timing, Steps and Submission Processes

What are the steps and criteria to successfully respond to MDB tenders ?

12:10 PM – 12:55 PM    Inter-American Development Bank – Do’s and Don’ts for Success

What are the best practices and tips to succeed in MDB procurement and avoid common pitfalls ?

12:55 PM – 01:30 PM    European Bank for Reconstruction and Development – Success Stories: Case Studies & Testimonials

01:30 PM – 01:35 PM    Closing Remarks by TBC

01:20 PM – 03:00 PM    Walking lunch & Networking

Practical info

Registration

The seminar is freely accessible upon registration to all interested Belgian companies, but space is limited, allowing a maximum of three participants per company. Registration will follow a first-come, first-served principle, and a waiting list will be established if necessary.

Price

Participation is free of charge. Please note: If you register but do not attend without notifying us at least 72 hours in advance via email, a fee of 100 euros (excluding VAT) will be charged for a “no-show.”

Language

The seminar will be conducted in English, without simultaneous translation.

Timing

Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 8:45 AM to 3:00 PM

Location

Egmont Palace – Petit Sablon 8, 1000 Brussels

Good to know

Given the size and complexity of the projects and the geopolitical environment in which they operate, the seminar is specifically designed for established companies with the necessary capacity to execute and contribute effectively to large-scale initiatives.

Later in 2025, the 3 Regional Export Promotion Agencies will host a business delegation to Washington, D.C., where participants will visit the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and other key institutions. This seminar provides an ideal opportunity for companies to familiarize themselves with these organizations in advance, helping them assess whether joining the economic mission aligns with their business objectives and growth strategy.

Useful resources

I take part in the seminar!

Registrations open until Sunday 15 December 2024

Any questions? Just Ask Julia or Reinout!

Julia Poncin

International & Communication Project Coordinator

0490 67 64 56

jponcin@hub.brussels

Reinout Van Hullebus

Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the European Union - international organisations

Rue Belliard 65,
1040 Brussels
Belgium

+32490666027

brussels@hub.brussels