The International Development Association (IDA) is the part of the World Bank Group that helps the world’s low-income countries, 40 of which are in Africa[JM1] . It is one of the largest sources of development assistance for these countries—and a cornerstone of global efforts to reduce poverty by helping economies grow and create jobs.
IDA aims to reduce poverty by providing zero to low-interest loans (called “credits”) and grants for programs that boost economic growth, reduce inequalities, and improve people’s living conditions. At the heart of this is a clear goal: help countries translate growth into local jobs. More than half of IDA countries receive all, or half, of their IDA resources on grant terms, which carry no repayments at all.
IDA resources are replenished every three years from donor governments, the World Bank Group, and market sources.
The results stories featured on this website illustrate how the World Bank leverages its global knowledge, financing, and convening power to help African countries break the cycle of poverty. The stories showcase IDA’s impact on families, national economies, and development across the region.
– Ousmane Diagana, Regional Vice President, Western and Central Africa
