The World Bank Group has opened a new office in Madrid, strengthening its partnership with Spain and expanding efforts to mobilize private capital, support investment, and create jobs in emerging markets.
Announced on June 29, 2026, the Madrid office will serve as a central platform connecting the World Bank Group with the Spanish government, private sector, investors, academic institutions, and civil society. The new hub will provide easier access to the Group’s financing, risk management tools, and development expertise for Spanish companies looking to invest in developing economies.
For nearly seven decades, Spain and the World Bank Group have collaborated on global development challenges by combining financial support, knowledge sharing, and private sector engagement. The new office aims to build on this relationship by expanding investment opportunities, particularly in regions such as Africa and Latin America.
Spain is already a major partner in private sector development through the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). Both institutions have developed portfolios of around US$5 billion with Spanish companies operating in emerging markets. The Madrid office is expected to strengthen this cooperation and encourage more private investment in infrastructure, water, tourism, manufacturing, and other key sectors.
IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop said the office reflects the shared ambition of Spain and the World Bank Group to promote private sector-led growth and transform investment opportunities into jobs and economic development.
Spanish officials also highlighted the importance of the new office in positioning Madrid as a bridge between European development finance and emerging markets. The initiative is expected to strengthen connections between Spanish businesses, development partners, and countries seeking sustainable investment.
As a shareholder of the World Bank Group, Spain continues to support development priorities through financing initiatives focused on climate adaptation, sustainable finance, infrastructure, healthcare, migration, and debt sustainability. The new Madrid office represents an effort to deepen international cooperation and accelerate investment-driven development.
