In a decisive move to reshape how global development projects impact local communities, the World Bank has unveiled new procurement guidelines aimed at amplifying job creation and workforce development in emerging economies.
Starting September 2025, companies bidding on major infrastructure contracts funded by the Bank will be required to allocate a significant portion of labor costs to local workers. This shift is designed to ensure that public investments in roads, energy, and transport systems also serve as engines for employment and skill-building in host countries.
“This is about more than bricks and mortar,” said a senior official involved in the policy rollout. “We’re embedding opportunity into every contract.”
The updated framework also encourages bidders to prioritize innovation, sustainability, and long-term value—marking a broader evolution in how development finance is deployed. With millions of young people entering the workforce across the Global South, the new rules aim to turn infrastructure into a launchpad for inclusive growth.
Source: World Bank