Reviewing the biggest development business opportunities of 2017

CANBERRA — While 2017 will largely be remembered for its politics and increasing focus on nationalism, demand for humanitarian and development assistance is increasing. And so too is the need for private sector partners to support the delivery of outcomes, including infrastructure and energy projects, education programs, institutional reforms, and health initiatives. As the year draws to a close, Devex has collated the largest contracts awarded and biggest new opportunities for partnership in 2017. Top contracts awarded In 2017, the top five contracts awarded exceeded $3 billion. The projects demonstrate a range of requirements development donors have of the private sector — but also the time, complexity, and effort that is needed to win the big contracts. 1. AfriCap Program The U.S. Department of State first sought solicitations for their AfriCap program in January 2015, with the aim of seeking vendors to support peacekeeping operations in Africa — including the delivery of training, equipment supply, logistics and technical support, and construction services. In May, the contract was awarded to six organizations: PAE, Triple Canopy, Engility Corporation, AECOM International Development, SkyBridge Tactical, Next Evolution Water Solutions, and Relyant. The companies will share in projects for the value of $1.5 billion, making it the largest development contract awarded in 2017. 2. Underground Power Complex, Tunnels and Hydraulic Steel Structures Based in Pakistan, this project funded by the World Bank first sought responses in 2014 for structural works associated with the Dasu HydropowerProject. Awarded in March, the China Gezhouba Group Company will be delivering outcomes for the cost of $617 million. 3. Building Foundations Program Beginning the procurement process in January, the U.S. Agency for International Development sought proposals from vendors for a range of construction services throughout the West Bank and Gaza — including transportation networks, solid waste infrastructure, public buildings, power infrastructure, and associated design services. The contract, awarded in September, will see $500 million shared between four suppliers: APCO-ArCon, Blumont Engineering Solutions, the Morganti Group, and CDM Constructors. 4. Bihar New Ganga Bridge Project This Asian Development Bank-funded project was first posted in June, seeking services to support the construction of a new road bridge across the Ganges River in India. Strategically located near India’s neighboring country of Nepal, it is hoped the project would strengthen connectivity and economic development between the two countries. Awarded in February, Daewoo Engineering and Construction, based in South Korea, won the construction work for a cost of $430 million. 5. Humanitarian Emergency Response Operations and Stabilisation Programme Since the early 1990s, the Department for International Development and the Stabilisation Unit have outsourced some humanitarian and emergency response management. In October, the current management contract was set with a supplier to assist the U.K. government to increase its humanitarian response capability. In June, the contract was awarded to the Palladium Group to the value of $390 million. Top business opportunities — open and ongoing Large programs and opportunities announced in 2017, currently open for responses or expressions of interest, will see billions of dollars invested in developing countries over the coming years and will be delivered with the assistance of private sector partners. They vary globally and thematically, allowing diversity in business opportunities. Here are the top five for 2017. 1. Enhancing Shared Prosperity through Equitable Services in Ethiopia This program, funded by the European Union, African Development Bank, World Bank, and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is the largest new program on offer in 2017. A total of $21 billion will be available to business partners who can assist in improving equitable access to basic services and strengthen accountability systems within Ethiopia with three main subcomponents in the projects — strengthening systems and sectors, citizen engagement, and capacity building and monitoring and evaluations. The World Bank is contributing the bulk of funds, totaling $700 million. 2. Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline Project This $8.6 billion energy, infrastructure, and natural resources project will deliver the Southern Gas Corridor stretching across five countries. It aims to facilitate the tripling of gas exports from Azerbaijan and improve the security and diversity of energy supply in Turkey and across Europe. The World Bank will contribute $800 million to the program with the European Investment Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development providing additional funding. 3. Nepal School Sector Development Program This World Bank initiative will see the World Bank invest $6.5 billion into improving the quality, access, and efficiency of basic and secondary education in Nepal. It will support the School Sector Development Program managed by Nepal’s Ministry of Education with three key outcomes sought: improved teaching-learning and student-learning outcomes, improved equitable access to basic and secondary education, and strengthened education system including management and governance. They are seeking partners to assist. 4. National Social Protection Program-for-Results Project in Pakistan Another World Bank program announced in 2017 will see a $5.4 billion investment in Pakistan for a national social protection program to strengthen national social safety net systems for the poor and improve access to associated services. The program will extend to June 2021 with a range of business opportunities between now and then expected to support the development challenges. 5. Social Assistance Reform Program in Indonesia The fifth largest new opportunity for 2017 will see the World Bank invest $5.4 billion to support social assistance reform in Indonesia. This includes supporting the expansion of a conditional cash transfer program coverage expansion, strengthening its delivery and improving its coordination with associated social programs. The program is similar to a social protection program for Pakistan with a similar timeframe for delivery of outcomes for businesses that support cash transfer programs. 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