Multilateral Development Banks

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

The World Bank and other multilateral development banks (MDBs) have quietly evolved from their traditional development role to become sophisticated partners for governments, investors, and NGOs across a wide spectrum of issues and industries. This course examines the major MDBs from a practitioner’s perspective and gives students a practical understanding of the policy, business, and development tools these institutions offer as they deploy billions of dollars through co-financing, private equity, early-stage technology investments, innovative risk sharing structures, and many other activities in emerging markets. Students will emerge with a pragmatic toolkit that allows them to contribute immediately in their future roles as international affairs practitioners. Students interested in international business will be able to produce action plans that answer real-world questions such as: “My multinational employer wants to enter the Nigerian prepared food industry through acquisition of a fast-growing local player. How can an MDB support us with capital and expertise to ensure our success?” International development students will be able to identify MDB-financed development projects that impact their NGOs or CSOs, as well as providing grant or contracting opportunities. Policy students will learn how to leverage MDB programs and leadership in support of U.S. and other government objectives. Students will work together on cross-disciplinary activities that require them to analyze challenges and find solutions combining the resources of MDBs, the private sector, NGOs, and governments.