The AfDB is a multilateral development bank whose shareholders comprise 54 African countries (regional member countries – RMCs) and 25 non-African countries (non-Regional Member Countries – non-RMCs). The Bank Group’s primary objective is to contribute to the sustainable economic development and social progress of its regional members, individually and jointly. This objective is met by financing a broad range of development projects and programs through: (i) public sector loans (including policy-based loans), private sector loans, guarantees and equity investments; (ii) providing technical assistance for institutional support projects and programs; and emergency assistance grants. The Bank Group approvals in 2013 amounted to USD 6.75 billion. Through its private sector window, the AfDB provides a range of financial products to the private sector to complement its traditional lending operations to Governments, including senior debt, subordinated debt, equity, guarantees, and technical assistance for viable projects. Private Sector project approvals as at end of July 2014 reached USD 13 billion. Infrastructure, especially energy, is the core of Private Sector Operations priorities.