The International Development Association (IDA) gives low-interest loans, grants, and technical help to the 74 poorest countries so they can grow their economies, improve health, and build better infrastructure.
How many countries are IDA?
As of 2026, 74 countries can tap IDA funds—they qualify based on per-person income (the 2026 cutoff numbers).
These nations fall into three buckets: IDA-only, blend, and transitional. Most sit in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and fragile or conflict zones. Every three years, during IDA’s replenishment round, the list gets a fresh look. You’ll find the full roster on the World Bank’s official IDA resources page.
Who is the president of International Development Association?
In 2026, Dr. Indermit Gill holds the IDA president’s chair, while also serving as the World Bank Group’s Senior Managing Director and Chief Economist.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga tapped Dr. Gill for the role. Among other duties, Dr. Gill shapes IDA’s strategy, lines up financing, and works with the poorest member countries. No Senate nod is required—this is an internal World Bank Group position.
What is IBRD and its functions?
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) is the World Bank Group’s original lending arm, offering loans and guarantees to middle-income countries that can still borrow on reasonable terms.
Launched in 1944, IBRD backs infrastructure, education, and health projects. It borrows in global markets and earns income from its loans. Those profits then help fund IDA’s ultra-low-cost financing for the poorest nations. Same president, different playbooks: IBRD and IDA share leadership but run separate programs with their own funding rules.
When was IDA established?
IDA opened for business on September 24, 1960, starting with $912.7 million and 15 founding members.
The World Bank realized low-income countries needed softer financing than IBRD could offer. First credits went out in 1962 to Sudan and Chile. Since then, every three years IDA has held a replenishment to keep the money flowing and expand its reach.
What is the meaning of International Development Association?
The International Development Association (IDA) is the World Bank’s grant-and-loan window for the very poorest countries, charging little or no interest.
It was built for nations that can’t borrow at market rates. IDA backs health, education, climate resilience, and infrastructure projects. Technically part of the World Bank Group, it still has its own governance and funding pipeline.
What are IDA eligible countries?
IDA-eligible countries in 2026 are those with per-person income below $1,305, using the World Bank’s yardstick.
The roster includes 39 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, 19 in South and East Asia, and 16 fragile or conflict-affected states. The list updates every year. Once a country’s income climbs past the line, it graduates to IBRD-only status. Check the latest 2026 list on the World Bank’s IDA webpage.
Do I qualify for IDA grant?
No individual “qualifies” for an IDA grant—those funds go straight to governments and public bodies in eligible countries.
That said, people living in those countries still feel the impact through programs like cash transfers, school meals, or rural power projects. If you need personal financial help, try local safety-net programs or international NGOs instead. For country-level funding, poke around your government’s development portal or the World Bank’s project database.
What are blend countries?
Blend countries are IDA-eligible but creditworthy enough to borrow from IBRD at market rates—think India, Nigeria, or Pakistan.
They split their financing between IDA grants/credits and IBRD loans, depending on the project. Blend status unlocks bigger overall budgets because they can tap both windows. The World Bank sets the blend threshold each year using income and performance data.
Who is eligible for IDA?
Eligibility is decided at the country level—only governments in IDA-eligible nations can receive IDA money.
IDA backs nationwide programs such as vaccination drives, road networks, or digital government services. If you’re with a government agency, NGO, or development partner in an eligible country, you might help design or run an IDA-funded project. Look for openings on the World Bank’s procurement portal.
What is the main role of the World Bank?
The World Bank’s job is to cut poverty and raise shared prosperity in developing countries through financing, advice, and policy support.
It runs five institutions, including IDA and IBRD. The Bank also crunches economic data and hosts global talks on development hurdles. It doesn’t lend to individuals, but teams up with governments, civil society, and businesses to launch big-ticket projects.
What is difference between World Bank and IMF?
The IMF keeps the global monetary system steady—it worries about exchange rates and balance-of-payments crises, while the World Bank focuses on long-term development and poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries.
The IMF hands out short-term loans and policy guidance during financial storms. The World Bank offers longer-term project cash. IMF votes are weighted by member quotas, whereas IDA relies on donor pledges. Both are UN agencies headquartered in Washington, D.C.
What are the main objectives of World Bank?
The World Bank’s twin goals are to slash extreme poverty so fewer than 3% live on less than $2.15 a day by 2030 and to lift the incomes of the bottom 40% in every country.
To hit those targets, the Bank invests in schools, hospitals, clean energy, climate-proof roads, and better governance. All of it ties back to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Each year the Bank publishes scorecards showing how close it is to those benchmarks.
What is IDA replenishment?
Every three years, donor governments pledge fresh money to IDA so it can keep handing out grants and cheap loans to the poorest countries.
Donors gather in roundtables to commit cash, which is then topped up with repayments and World Bank earnings. The 21st round (IDA21) wrapped in December 2025, locking in $54 billion for 2026–2029. The cash targets pandemic recovery, climate adaptation, and resilience in the 74 eligible countries.
How is IDA funded?
IDA runs on three main funding streams: donations from 48 donor countries, repayments from old IDA credits, and transfers from IBRD’s profits.
Donor pledges make up about 60% of the pot. The rest comes from reflows (repayments) and IBRD transfers. The money is pooled and sent where needs and performance are strongest. The Development Committee of the World Bank shepherds the replenishment process and wraps it up at a final donor meeting.
What is IDA interest?
IDA interest is the tiny—or zero—rate charged on loans and credits to eligible countries—usually 0% to 1% on credits, with 38-year payback windows that include a six-year grace period.
That’s a steal compared with market borrowing. IDA also hands out outright grants that never need paying back. The exact rate and terms depend on the country’s income tier and the project’s focus. For comparison, IBRD loans typically run 4–6% over 15–25 years.
