Supplier diversity and inclusion is a highly valued strategic initiative at the World Bank Group. We believe that a diverse and inclusive vendor base benefits us by bringing different perspectives, innovative solutions, and a resilient supply chain. As such, we are committed to promoting, increasing, and improving the business participation of underrepresented business enterprises in our procurement process, with a primary focus on Women-owned Business Enterprises (WBE) and Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MBE).
Our Definitions
The following are diverse supplier categories that WBG’s supplier diversity program currently addresses and definitions that we subscribe to:
| Women Business Enterprise (WBE) |
Any for-profit enterprise, regardless of size, which is at least 51% owned, operated* and controlled* by a woman or women. |
| Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) | Any for-profit enterprise, regardless of size, which is at least 51% owned, operated* and controlled* by a member(s) of a minority group as defined by the regulatory/legislative framework of each country**. |
* "Operated" in this context means being actively involved in the daily management of the business.
"Controlled" in this context means exercising the power to make policy decisions.
** For North America, where the World Bank Group currently focuses on for supporting Minority-owned Business Enterprises, “Minority Group Members” are individuals who are Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic and/or Native American/Indigenous peoples. Other definitions of (ethnic) minority groups may apply for other countries and the World Bank Group subscribes to those commonly-accepted definitions.
Our Approach
We are addressing underrepresented supplier groups in a phased approach in line with WBG strategic priorities, and proportional to the representation and availability of accreditation associations on the global and local markets, aiming to grow their representation among our suppliers base. The World Bank Group recognizes diverse business accreditations from third-party certification organizations (like WBENC, WEConnect International, NMSDC, etc.) as well as equivalent Federal, State, and Local Certification bodies.
Our Supplier Diversity and Inclusion program is supported by membership in WBENC, the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the USA and WEConnect International, focused on the development and accreditation of women-owned enterprises in World Bank Group client countries.
In order to measure progress and effectiveness of our supplier diversity program, we closely monitor our procurement processes and practices and have set performance goals.
Our Targets
More than Double the share of our global corporate procurement with woman-owned business enterprises (WBEs) to reach 7% by 2023.
Increase the share of our US-based corporate procurement with minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs) to reach 8% by 2025.
By the end of FY21 nearly 5% of our corporate procurement dollars are going towards women-owned businesses and 4.7% of our US-based procurement to minority-owned businesses.
Our Tier 2 program
As part of our own commitment, we expect our prime vendors to adhere to the same values of equity and diversity and provide increased opportunities for access and growth of diverse businesses within their supply chain, with an emphasis on measurable results and continuous improvement. In this respect, we strongly encourage our prime vendors to directly engage with diverse businesses as sub-contractors/suppliers (Tier 2 diverse suppliers) as relevant and expect from them report back to the World Bank Group the results of these efforts on a regular basis as requested.
Each fiscal year we conduct a Diverse Spend reporting exercise targeting WBG prime vendors, with the objective of calculating our tier 2 spend with woman-owned, minority-owned and other diverse supplier groups.
For more information on the Tier 2 Diverse Spend Reporting exercise, please refer to the Tier 2 Supplier Diversity Guidance Note for Vendors.
Are you a Diverse Supplier interested in doing business with the World Bank Group?
Corporate Procurement strives to provide opportunities for MWBEs to compete on an equal basis for the Bank Group's business. We advertise competitive business opportunities for goods, services and consulting services. Diverse businesses eligible to register and become an approved World Bank Group vendor can express interest in these business opportunities, following the instructions in the notice. Companies do not need to be registered with the Bank Group in order to participate in a solicitation.
Diverse businesses interested in doing business with the WBG can share information about their expertise and services offered through the WBG Prospective Diverse Vendor Enrollment Form.
Please note that completing this enrollment form does not imply that your company has any type of procurement relationship with the World Bank Group, either now or in the future, nor does it guarantee becoming a registered and approved WBG vendor or receiving a request to bid or contract from the World Bank Group.