Maturing in 2040, the instrument is described as the World Bank’s longest-dated outcome bond to date. The bond provides investors with principal protection backed by the World Bank’s triple‑A credit strength, alongside a coupon that includes a fixed component and potential variable components linked to restoration outcomes.

The transaction is structured to mobilise $25 million in private capital for a 50 000‑hectare scale‑up of spekboom restoration. The programme is designed, developed and operated by Imperative, a private company specialising in ecosystem restoration. The project aims to restore degraded land and create 11 000 local jobs, including opportunities through small and medium‑sized enterprises delivering spekboom harvesting, planting, monitoring and ongoing land management.

Spekboom, a drought‑resilient succulent native to SA, is valued for high carbon sequestration and ecosystem recovery potential. Restoration is expected to improve soil quality and water retention, strengthen climate resilience and support conditions needed for broader biodiversity recovery.

The World Bank indicated that $120 million in bond proceeds will support sustainable development lending globally. Investors accepted a lower fixed coupon than comparable World Bank bonds, with the “foregone” portion of coupon value channelled to Imperative as upfront project financing through a hedge transaction arranged by BNP Paribas, the sole lead manager and bookrunner.

Amazon is set to purchase a large share of expected carbon removal units (CRUs) under a fixed‑price offtake agreement lasting more than a decade. A pre‑determined share of CRU revenue is expected to flow back to investors through BNP Paribas as CRU‑linked interest, creating upside potential if carbon revenues meet projections.

World Bank Group Chief Financial Officer Anshula Kant described the deal as an example of capital markets supporting measurable outcomes that strengthen livelihoods and create jobs.

–WorldBank/ChannelAfrica–