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In Bangkok, the AFD Group strengthens partnerships to increase the impact of its investments
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At the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group brought its international partners together around its new strategic priorities. Led by Christophe Lecourtier, the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, the mission strengthened financial cooperation to support development and the shared interests of partner countries, France and Europe.
Strengthening partnerships to mobilize more financing
As public resources shrink, the AFD Group aims to expand cofinancing with major development banks, mobilize more private capital and accelerate project implementation. This approach builds on a model already rooted in partnerships: in 2025, the AFD committed €3.2 billion in cofinancing, complemented by €5.5 billion mobilized by its partners. Discussions in Bangkok with the World Bank and regional development banks focused on strengthening this cooperation and identifying new joint operations.
One concrete outcome was the renewal of the strategic and operational partnership agreement between the AFD Group and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Signed in Bangkok, the agreement aims to expand cofinancing and joint investment in priority sectors such as the energy transition, private sector development and sustainable infrastructure, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and the European neighborhood. It will also draw on the complementary expertise of the Group’s three entities, the AFD, Proparco and Expertise France, to support projects combining public financing, private investment and technical cooperation.
Concrete investments to advance shared priorities
The AFD Group also reaffirmed its commitment to diversifying its financial partnerships, particularly with major philanthropic foundations. At the World Bank’s first Philanthropy Forum, Group representatives met with international philanthropic organizations to explore new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as climate, health, education and biodiversity. The aim is to combine foundations’ resources and expertise more effectively with the AFD Group’s financing capacity and local presence, increasing the impact of investments and supporting lasting change in partner countries.
The mission also strengthened dialogue with French companies operating in Southeast Asia. Christophe Lecourtier discussed ways for them to become involved earlier in project preparation and to make better use of French and European expertise, in line with competitive procurement rules and partner countries’ priorities.
In Thailand, the Chao Phraya basin flood prevention program illustrates this approach. Alongside the Thai authorities and its European and international partners, the AFD is exploring a contribution to the project, which could improve forecasting and early warning systems for more than six million people. This potential contribution illustrates Team Europe’s ability to bring together financing, expertise and technological solutions to strengthen resilience.
Christophe Lecourtier, Chief Executive Officer of the AFD Group: “In a world where investment needs are immense and public resources increasingly constrained, we must join forces to do more and achieve better results. Our presence in Bangkok reflects a conviction: partnerships that translate more readily into action help finance projects that benefit people, while aligning our partners’ priorities with France’s and Europe’s economic and strategic interests. Development is an investment that serves our mutual interests.”
Press contact: AFDpresse@afd.fr