Reflecting on a Transformative FiCS 2025 Summit in Cape Town!

As the curtains close on the 5th edition of the Finance in Common Summit (FiCS) in Cape Town, we take a moment to reflect on the groundbreaking conversations, bold commitments, and inspiring collaborations that shaped this year’s gathering. Co-hosted by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), with the invaluable support of Agence Fran?aise de Développement, FiCS 2025 proved to be a milestone event in public development finance, aligning with the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting.

With over 2,000 delegates from across the globe, the summit became a melting pot of ideas, partnerships, and commitments focused on fostering infrastructure and finance for just and sustainable growth. This year’s discussions underscored the critical role of Public Development Banks (PDBs) in driving forward sustainable financing solutions, mobilizing private capital, and creating more inclusive financial systems.

Key Highlights from FiCS 2025:

1. A Landmark Resource: The PDBs Reference Book

One of the summit’s most anticipated launches was the PDBs Reference Book, a groundbreaking resource mapping 536 PDBs and DFIs worldwide, collectively managing a staggering $23 trillion in assets. This publication provides an essential blueprint for understanding the scale and impact of PDBs in global finance. ?? Explore the PDBs Reference Book

2. Finance in Common’s Contribution to FfD4

The release of the Finance in Common collective contribution to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) underscored the pivotal role of PDBs in unlocking sustainable development opportunities. This contribution presents actionable insights into harnessing financial resources for impactful development. ?? Read the full report

3. Advancing Sustainable and Inclusive Investments

Throughout the summit, there was a strong emphasis on ensuring that financial flows align with just transition principles, prioritizing investments that are both sustainable and inclusive. The discussions highlighted:

• The need for enhanced climate finance to drive decarbonization efforts.
• Strategies to mobilize private capital for critical sectors such as clean energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation.

4. Expanding Financial Innovation

The summit brought attention to the rapid expansion of financial innovations, reinforcing the importance of:

• Sustainability bonds and hybrid capital as tools to support green investments.
• Risk-sharing mechanisms that enable greater private sector participation in public finance initiatives.
• Blended finance approaches that de-risk investments in high-impact sectors.

5. New Coalitions and Global Commitments

FiCS 2025 witnessed the establishment of new coalitions and strategic partnerships, strengthening collaboration across sectors and regions. Some of the standout initiatives include:

• The launch of the FiCS Ocean Coalition, dedicated to sustainable blue finance solutions.
• The Sport Investment Forum, emphasizing the role of sports infrastructure in social and economic development.
• Commitments to mobilize $10 billion for community-based sports infrastructure by 2030.

6. Game-Changing Financial Agreements

The summit also served as a platform for key financial agreements between major institutions, driving forward global initiatives on climate action, digital transformation, and economic inclusion. Notable collaborations included agreements between:

• Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
• European Investment Bank (EIB)
• International Finance Corporation (IFC)
• Agence Fran?aise de Développement
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

These partnerships mark a major step in accelerating financial solutions for climate resilience, sustainable infrastructure, and digital inclusion.

7. Looking Ahead: Towards FiCS 2026 and Beyond

FiCS members reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to global financial transformation, setting their sights on key upcoming international events, including:

• The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville.
• The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem.

These milestones will serve as crucial platforms to further discussions initiated at FiCS 2025, ensuring that public development finance remains at the forefront of global sustainability efforts.

A Heartfelt Thank You

As we wrap up this incredible edition of the Finance in Common Summit, we extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, speakers, and attendees. Your insights, dedication, and collaborative spirit have contributed to shaping the future of sustainable finance.

While FiCS 2025 may have concluded, the journey towards an inclusive, resilient, and innovative financial ecosystem is far from over. The conversations, commitments, and partnerships formed here will continue to drive impact long after the summit’s closing remarks.

We look forward to FiCS 2026 in Asia, where we will reconvene with renewed ambition and a shared vision for a world where finance serves as a force for positive change.

?? Stay connected and continue the conversation! ?? Read the final communique: https://lnkd.in/eHhn8zzu

? FiCS Secretariat: Adama MARIKO | Arthur Pataud | Catherine Collin | Jimena Iraheta | Ornella d'Amico Skalli | Sarah Gabour | Clemence Guiresse | Nicolas Picchiottino | Jassim MERABET

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