Tokyo, June 2026 – The World Bank Group and the Government of Japan have announced two new initiatives designed to help developing countries build more resilient supply chains and energy systems, unlocking investment, jobs, and long-term growth.
World Bank President Ajay Banga and Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama signed agreements to launch the Resilient and Inclusive Supply-chain Enhancement Plus (RISE+) and the Dynamic Response for Invigorating Value Chains and Energy Security (DRIVE) frameworks. Together, these initiatives expand Japan’s partnerships with the World Bank on critical minerals and regional energy security.
RISE+ introduces a $20 million facility under Japan’s single-donor trust funds, complementing the earlier RISE Partnership launched during Japan’s G7 presidency. The program will help developing nations translate demand for critical minerals such as rare earths into concrete public and private investment, supporting industrial development and job creation.
DRIVE builds on Japan’s POWERR Asia framework, a $10 billion initiative addressing fuel supply shortages and disruptions in Asia. Through DRIVE, the World Bank and Japanese agencies including JBIC and JICA will provide sovereign lending and private sector solutions to stabilize economies and strengthen energy resilience. The program will also enhance supply chain management, crisis preparedness, and collective purchasing power for vulnerable countries.
Ajay Banga praised Japan’s leadership, noting that these initiatives will help countries turn demand for clean energy and critical minerals into “investment, jobs, and economic opportunity that improve lives across developing economies.” Minister Katayama emphasized that both RISE+ and DRIVE are “win-win policies” that support sustainable growth in developing countries while ensuring stable supply for importing nations, including Japan.
Together, RISE+ and DRIVE are expected to play a pivotal role in advancing regional supply chain resilience, energy security, and sustainable economic growth across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
