For South Africa, NDB membership offers an additional source of financing for infrastructure projects — roads, energy, water systems — alongside traditional lenders. More broadly, it reflects a shift in global economic power, with BRICS nations building parallel institutions rather than only working through Western-led ones, and it can influence which infrastructure projects get funded domestically.
Source: New Development Bank
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the New Development Bank only for BRICS countries?
Its founding members are the original BRICS nations, but it has since expanded to admit other member countries as well.
How is the New Development Bank different from the World Bank?
It was built with more equal voting power among founding members, rather than a structure weighted heavily toward the largest financial contributors, as with the World Bank.
Has South Africa received funding from the NDB?
Yes — South Africa has accessed NDB financing for various infrastructure-related projects since becoming a founding member.