WASHINGTON, December 12, 2019— The World Bank’s Board of Directors approved a $210 million International Development Association (IDA) credit and a $40 million IDA grant, amounting to $250 million to support Mali’s efforts to improve pro-poor services, especially at the local level, thereby enhancing the role of the state and increasing stability.
“Making more effective use of budgetary resources for electricity and agriculture is critical for delivering better services at the local level. Improved access and delivery of services should contribute to the stability of the country and address some of the drivers of fragility. The Bank continues to be a strong partner to Mali as the country pursues the difficult reforms needed,” said Soukeyna Kane, World Bank Country Director for Mali.
The Sustainable Energy and Improved Service Delivery for Increased Stability Development Policy Financing (DPF) operation has supported the Government’s efforts over the past year in a highly complex and fragile environment. The program aims to: significantly improve the financial viability of the electricity sector by supporting a transformation of the energy mix; improve the efficiency of subsidy provision for the agriculture sector by supporting digital approaches to better target farmers; and provide increased and transparent support for decentralized services, including for health and education.
“Decisions taken by the Government and included in the Recovery Plan should lead to important cost reductions in the energy sector in the coming years, thereby improving sustainability and affordability. Mali has taken important steps to improve the provision of basic services, such as for health and education, which will help to support the important peace and stability agenda,” said Mustafa Zakir Hussain, World Bank Task Team Leader.
This DPF is the first of a series of two operations. This work is supported by World Bank Investment Project Financing (IPF) operations in various sectors, working in close coordination with the international donor community.
* The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 75 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa. IDA resources bring positive change to the 1.6 billion people who live in IDA countries. Since 1960, IDA has supported development work in 113 countries. Annual commitments have averaged about US$21 billion over the last three years, with about 61 percent going to Africa.
