The World Bank is a global institution that provides financial and technical support to developing countries. Its mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, and this includes shaping the physical and digital infrastructure that sustains maritime trade.
Founded in 1944 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the World Bank is part of the World Bank Group, which includes multiple institutions such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and International Development Association (IDA).
The World Bank plays a key role in funding ports, inland logistics corridors, customs modernisation, and other vital components of global trade.
Examples of its maritime-focused work include:
• Upgrading port infrastructure in East Africa to support faster cargo processing
• Supporting digital customs systems in South Asia
• Funding green port technologies and electrification to reduce maritime emissions
• Enhancing intermodal connections from sea to rail and road for landlocked countries
Through loans, grants, and policy advice, the Bank empowers nations to become more competitive and connected.
Maritime trade depends not only on ships – but on efficient, resilient, and accessible infrastructure. The World Bank helps countries:
• Expand port capacity to reduce congestion
• Integrate trade systems with regional and global value chains
• Improve logistics performance and lower transport costs
• Increase transparency in port and customs operations
Its Logistics Performance Index (LPI) is widely used to assess how efficiently countries move goods across borders.
The Bank ensures that trade supports human and environmental development, not just economic growth. Its projects consider:
• Gender equity in logistics and supply chains
• Climate-smart transport solutions
• Transparent procurement and anti-corruption safeguards
• Job creation in port regions and coastal communities
It sees trade not as an isolated activity – but as a pathway to social mobility and opportunity.
• Over 180 member countries
• Works closely with UNCTAD, WTO, IMF, ILO, and regional development banks
• Offers technical assistance, policy reform support, and investment project financing
Through public-private partnerships, it supports private sector involvement in port development and operations – with emphasis on sustainability and equity.
The World Bank is often behind the scenes, but its impact is huge. It transforms coastlines, modernises borders, and opens up markets – helping create a world where more people can trade, connect, and thrive.
Its work is essential in this new global era, where trade must be inclusive, green, and adaptive to shifting tides.
How does the World Bank help countries unlock the benefits of maritime trade – especially those with limited infrastructure?
