The bank primarily targets the energy, water, transport and telecommunications sectors, while also addressing health and education as secondary areas of focus.

Notable examples include managing SADC's Project Preparation Development Facility (PPDF)[12] and the Infrastructure Investment Programme for South Africa (IIPSA)[13] on behalf of the European Union.

The bank aligns with the United Nations’ Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,[14] and is accredited by the Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund.

Supported municipal programmes include Tshwane Rapid Transit[16] and financing the Durban University of Technology (DUT) student village.

This initiative aligns with DBSA's commitment to promoting environmental sustainability alongside economic growth through eco-conscious infrastructure projects.

Additionally, DBSA issued a white paper to guide investors on incorporating biodiversity considerations into their financial strategies, underscoring the importance of environmental factors in investment decisions.