Public financial institutions and National Development Banks (NDBs) in particular are well suited to fill financing gaps in un- or under- served markets. By virtue of their developmental mandate, and local expertise, NDBs are able to operate and invest in the most vulnerable regions where the risk is often too great for a majority of private actors. This study intends to reflect on NDBs mandates in this context by shedding light on the significant role they can play to address scarcity of financing in vulnerable areas within developing countries.