About
Established in 2017 in partnership with the Dutch government, the Water Sector Fund (WSF) aims to support the development of water projects in low- and lower-middle income countries. Water sector actors in target countries often face financial challenges and limited management capacity when building water sector infrastructure. With the help of donors, the WSF seeks to address funding and capacity obstacles by supporting innovative water projects and integral water management systems. The Water Sector Fund currently finances technical assistance operations, although various other financial instruments can be deployed.
At a glance
WSF operations help provide clean water and sanitation to thousands of people.
Donor funds committed
Donor financing approved
Operations
Expected total investments supported
Our donors
The WSF’s initial donor, the Netherlands, has committed €28.3 million to finance operations deployed by the trust fund.
Expected impact
1.6 million people benefitting from safe drinking water
Sustainable Development Goals
Donor-financed operations through our trust funds make a direct contribution to several of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our collective actions unlock billions of euros in investment to combat climate change, eradicate poverty and fight inequality. These are some of the global goals targeted by our trust fund.
Donor-funded instruments
The EIB uses donor funds to enhance the development impact of investment projects. The WSF supports technical assistance in the initial phase of a project and other instruments, such as investment grants and financial instruments, are also available.
Eligibility
Operations financed by the Financial Inclusion Fund are limited to countries referenced on the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee list of Official Development Aid recipients.
They include countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the EU’s Neighbourhood, Latin America and the Pacific.
Key publications
Trust funds in action
Resources for development finance are limited. Find out how EIB Global works with 12 trust funds to increase amounts available, support a wide variety of projects and make a positive impact.
WSF overview
This flyer provides an overview of the trust fund's activities in 2023.
The EIB Water Sector Fund
This is the first publication about the Water Sector Fund, a trust fund established by the European Investment Bank and the government of the Netherlands in 2017, to support the development of water projects in developing countries.