Abstract
Sustainability is using natural resources so future generations can meet their needs. Funding institutions expand sustainability commitment to integrating considerations of social equity and ecological limits into their strategies to address environmental and social sustainability. This is because development projects produce negative environmental impacts, such as water and air pollution and social impacts, such as lack of public participation engagement. Data were retrieved from the annual sustainability review documents of each African funding institution; The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). These financial institutions use frameworks as guides for development projects to minimise the negative environmental and social impacts during implementation. DBSA fund infrastructure development projects in the energy, transport, education, water, and sanitation sectors. AfDB developed a “High five Priority” area; Light Up and power Africa, feed Africa, industrialize Africa, integrate Africa, and improve the quality of life of people in Africa. SWOT Analysis was performed and one of the results indicated weaknesses of both institutions are that full reports are unavailable to the public, and member countries are not using common documents. Regional integration and demand for investors are opportunities for funding institutions, and threats include limited data on the selection criteria for the projects. The banks, however, do contribute to promote environmental and social sustainability through funding development projects that practice sustainability.
Keywords: Environmental sustainability, social sustainability, African funding institutions, Sustainable Development Goals, sustainability frameworks