Some of the world’s largest infrastructure asset managers have joined the launch of the G7 Infrastructure Investment Council, an initiative aimed at scaling institutional investment in emerging markets infrastructure.

BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners, Actis, Sun Life, Brookfield, Mirova, Natixis Investment Managers, Macquarie, Allianz Global Investors, Ninety One, Nuveen, Mizuho Financial Group and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners are among the inaugural members of the council, which was established by G7 development finance institutions (DFIs).

The initiative, led by Canada’s DFI, FinDev Canada, has been established with the Investor Leadership Network, a collaboration platform for institutional investors set up in 2018, which includes La Caisse, CPP Investments, Future Fund, OMERS and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan among its membership.

Other DFIs involved in the council include the UK’s British International Investment, France’s Proparco, Germany’s Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG), Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Italy’s Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Randeep Sarai, Canadian secretary of state, international development, said: “The launch of the G7 Infrastructure Investment Council marks a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to drive sustainable growth in emerging markets. This council will help private investors to coordinate with DFIs to support real infrastructure projects – like roads, energy and water systems – in countries facing the greatest needs.

“But this is not just about building roads and bridges – it’s about creating opportunity and supporting long-term prosperity where it’s needed most.”

Sherif ElKholy, managing director, head of the Middle East and Africa, Actis, said: “Addressing the challenges and opportunities around unlocking capital for infrastructure in growth markets is vital, and aligns with Actis’ approach.”

Biff Ourso, head of infrastructure equity at Nuveen, said: “Private capital has consistently proven to be a catalyst for economic growth, and modern, high-quality infrastructure is critical to providing the basic services needed to power, move and connect emerging markets locally while also linking them with the broader global economy.

“This coordinated approach is exactly the kind of systematic framework needed to unlock private capital at the scale required to meet the annual infrastructure investment needs worldwide.”

Sébastien Duquet, head of relations with development finance institutions at Mirova, said: “Joining the G7 Infrastructure Investment Council reflects Mirova’s commitment to advancing systemic solutions for climate and energy access. We believe that stronger coordination between public and private investors is key to accelerating resilient infrastructure in emerging markets and delivering a just transition.”

Laura Kaliszewski, global head of client sustainable investing at Natixis Investment Managers, said: “By pooling our knowledge and sharing our expertise, we can accelerate the deployment of essential infrastructure in emerging markets, fostering growth and resilience where it is needed most.

“This collaboration aligns with Natixis IM’s commitment to scale investment to drive the transition to a sustainable and inclusive global economy.”

Nazmeera Moola, chief commercial officer, private markets, Ninety One, said: “The G7 Infrastructure Investment Council provides a much-needed platform to address the practical barriers that have kept private investors out of emerging market infrastructure — from project design and prudential constraints to the absence of standardised structures and investment vehicles that allocate risk appropriately. It’s about turning collaboration between development finance and institutional capital into real, investable opportunities.”

Verena Lim, co-head of Asia-Pacific infrastructure at Macquarie Asset Management, and CEO of Macquarie Group in Asia, said: “With over 30 years of infrastructure investment experience, Macquarie recognises the vital role private capital plays in shaping essential and sustainable infrastructure.

“By aligning private capital with development priorities, we strive to create balanced outcomes that build trust and drive economic and social progress.”

Amy Hepburn, CEO of the Investor Leadership Network, said: “The launch of the G7 Infrastructure Investment Council represents a pivotal opportunity to align development finance institutions and private investors around commercial viability, fiduciary responsibility, and sustainable development.

“By strengthening coordination and establishing practical frameworks for partnership, we can better mobilise capital at scale to advance resilient infrastructure. Mobilising private capital is essential in bridging this infrastructure gap and driving long-term resilience.” 

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