BNDES prepares R$ 300 billion project to attract infrastructure investment

The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) is preparing a R$ 300 billion project designed to attract private investment into national infrastructure. The initiative aims to select private infrastructure fund managers to invest equity in various Brazilian projects.

Under the proposed model, for every R$ 1 contributed by BNDES, selected managers must raise R$ 3 from other investors. Luciana Costa, BNDES Director for Infrastructure, Energy Transition, and Climate Change, stated that the bank could account for up to one-quarter of each fund's equity. The bank expects to launch a call for proposals in the second half of the year and has already begun discussions with domestic and international managers.

The funds will target long-term projects, including concessions, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and tenders in sectors such as transport, sanitation, public lighting, and health. The strategy focuses on attracting investors to provide equity at an earlier stage before formal financing is contracted.