The Department for International Development is the principal funder of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), a multilateral body to which it planned to commit up to £700 million between 2012 and 2015. DFID aims to increase private investment from international and domestic investors to help provide much-needed infrastructure to developing countries, including transport, power, water and communications. It describes PIDG as its most important vehicle in supporting this aim. PIDG funds are invested in infrastructure projects by private sector fund managers, who aim to achieve commercial returns while working in difficult environments and industries to secure development outcomes, including better services and more jobs.
This inquiry will examine DFID’s interests in and oversight of PIDG. It will consider the Department’s rapid expansion of funding for PIDG and its record of financial management, as well as whether the Department has the information to demonstrate that investment in PIDG is the best option.
Further information