Over the past three years, the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for low-income countries, has significantly improved access to essential services for millions of people. Through its financing, 122 million individuals gained social protection, 54 million accessed new or improved electricity services, 138 million benefited from broadband internet, and 225 million received health services. These achievements came amid overlapping global crises and a pandemic, with IDA mobilizing a record USD 97 billion to support the most vulnerable populations.
For 65 years, IDA has provided long-term development financing to 116 countries, totaling USD 600 billion. Many recipient countries, such as South Korea, China, Türkiye, and India, have transitioned from aid recipients to donors themselves. Norway has been a consistent partner since IDA’s inception, contributing financially and helping shape the fund’s priorities. In March 2026, Norway launched a comprehensive strategy for cooperation with the World Bank covering 2026–2030, emphasizing gender equality, climate and nature, renewable energy, decent work, and food security, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected regions.
IDA20, launched in 2022 in response to rising global poverty and the pandemic, financed over 700 projects across 78 countries, with 70 percent of funds directed to Africa. Norwegian contributions of NOK 3.3 billion helped leverage nearly four dollars in grants and concessional loans for every dollar donated. Funding focused on infrastructure (30 percent), institutional strengthening and job creation (27 percent), and social sectors, including health, education, and social protection (20 percent).
IDA also strengthened fiscal systems and economic sustainability, supporting 31 countries in tackling illicit financial flows, 67 countries in improving tax systems, and 50 countries in enhancing debt transparency. Additionally, IDA remains the largest global provider of climate finance for the poorest countries, with 41 percent of IDA20 lending directed to climate-related projects, exceeding targets for both adaptation and mitigation.
The results of IDA20 reflect strong, tangible impacts. Over 122 million people gained social protection, 224.5 million accessed health and nutrition services, 26.1 million obtained improved sanitation, 22.2 million accessed safe water, and 6.6 million farmers adopted better agricultural practices. IDA20 also expanded electricity access to 54 million people, financial services to 24 million, and broadband internet to 138 million, opening doors to information, markets, and essential services. These achievements demonstrate IDA’s critical role in improving livelihoods, building resilience, and promoting sustainable development for millions worldwide.
