DBSA rated Baa3 by Moody's β€” Outlook Stable
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Who We Are

The Development Bank of Southern Africa is a Schedule 2 public entity, wholly owned by the Government of South Africa, mandated to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development.

About DBSA

Established in 1983, DBSA is South Africa's premier development finance institution. Operating as a Schedule 2 public entity under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), DBSA plays a pivotal role in delivering development impact across the African continent.

The Bank serves as a key channel for government's development agenda, financing infrastructure that drives economic growth and improves the quality of life for millions of South Africans.

Key roles include:

  • Development finance and project preparation
  • Programme management and advisory services
  • Municipal capacity building and support
  • Knowledge generation and thought leadership
DBSA Head Office β€” Development Bank of Southern Africa, Midrand, Gauteng

DBSA Head Office, Midrand, Gauteng

1983
Established
~1,200
Employees
Baa3
Credit Rating (Moody's)
R108bn
Total Assets
PFMA Sch2
Mandate

Our Mandate

DBSA's mandate is defined by the DBSA Act (No. 13 of 1997), as amended β€” to promote economic development and growth, human resource development, institutional capacity building, and the support of development projects and programmes.

Promote
Economic Development
R347bn
Disbursed
β†’
Finance
Development Projects
1,200+
Projects Funded
β†’
Support
Capacity Building
278
Municipalities
β†’
Deliver
Infrastructure & Services
9
Provinces
β†’
Impact
Better Quality of Life
150,000+
Jobs Created

The Bank operates within the SADC region and leverages partnerships with government, private sector, civil society, and international development institutions.

Download DBSA Act

Our Strategy

DBSA's Corporate Plan 2024–2027 outlines five strategic pillars:

01
Infrastructure Finance
02
Municipal Support
03
Climate Finance & Just Transition
04
Human Capital Development
05
Institutional Excellence
Download Corporate Plan 2024–2027

Our History

1983
Established by Act of Parliament
DBSA was established under the DBSA Act to accelerate socio-economic development in the Southern African region.
1994
Post-Democracy Mandate Expansion
Following South Africa's democratic transition, DBSA's mandate was expanded to support the new government's development agenda across all provinces.
2003
Expanded to Broader SADC Development
DBSA broadened its focus to include development finance across the SADC region, partnering with international DFIs.
2012
R100 Billion Cumulative Disbursements
Reached the milestone of R100 billion in cumulative development finance disbursements since inception.
2024
Climate Finance Strategy Launched
DBSA launched its comprehensive Climate Finance Strategy to support South Africa's just energy transition and green infrastructure development.

Executive Management

Mr Patrick Sobhe, DBSA Chief Executive Officer
Mr Patrick Sobhe
Chief Executive Officer
View bio β†’
Ms Thandi Zulu, DBSA Chief Financial Officer
Ms Thandi Zulu
Chief Financial Officer
View bio β†’
Mr Peter Nkosi, DBSA Chief Operating Officer
Mr Peter Nkosi
Chief Operating Officer
View bio β†’
Dr Aisha Patel, DBSA Chief Strategy Officer
Dr Aisha Patel
Chief Strategy Officer
View bio β†’

Board Committees

Audit Committee

Chairperson: Ms X Ndlovu

Members: 5

View details β†’

Risk Committee

Chairperson: Mr Y Moosa

Members: 4

View details β†’

Human Capital & Nominations

Chairperson: Dr Z Kumalo

Members: 4

View details β†’

Corporate Governance

DBSA is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance, guided by the King IV Code and the PFMA.

King IV Compliance

Full application of King IV principles on governance, ethics, performance, and reporting.

View Statement β†’

Policies & Frameworks

Ethics, risk management, procurement, and PAIA manual available for download.

Download Policies β†’

Whistleblower

Report fraud, corruption, or misconduct through our confidential reporting channel.

Report Fraud β†’