- Project scoping, ideation, and concept note development
- Development of pre-feasibility studies
- Development of feasibility studies
- Project financial structuring
The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) provides clients with expertise and funding for early-stage project preparation, in the process de-risking projects and bridging the gap between capital and finance in the infrastructure value chain, ensuring that projects reach financial close and are implemented.
When there is a suitable project at hand, the risks will be allocated to the right parties during the development phase. The project should, however, be at a certain stage, between concept and financial close, depending on the beneficiary involved, for DBSA to consider the feasibility. It must meet DBSA criteria before the approval process, and indicative timelines can be communicated. Project criteria include the following:
- Mandate fit - Sectors, geography, national or regional priority projects, alignment with NDPs and SDGs.
- Development impact - Anticipated economic, climate, social impact and transformational results.
- Institutional capacity - Project sponsor to supply a track-record of previous successful and future financial capacity.
- Enabling environment - Government support and national priority; clear regulatory environment, exclusive development rights, fair and transparent procurement process (EOI/RFQ and RFP).
- Co-funding opportunities - DBSA requires that the project sponsor co-fund the project preparation phase.
- Support South African local context - South African ownership, materials, services or technology should be considered in projects.
- Potential investment value - The project value must realize an investment opportunity of sufficient quantum.
- Compliance of client to DBSA requirements - Applicants are requested to follow the right process to increase their chances of being considered.
Clients eligible for funding include the following:
- Project developers in the public and private sectors
- Government departments
- State-owned organizations
- Project sponsors, private equity or infrastructure funds
- Beneficiaries that promote South Africa through gender mainstreaming, climate mitigation and the adaptation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE)