A Catalyst for Development

Since its inception in 1960, the International Development Association (IDA) has been helping the world's poorest countries lift themselves out of poverty. Many countries can look back on the list of IDA-funded projects that helped them on their road to development. IDA's concessional financing lets countries work toward economic sufficiency and make sure that people have access to health, nutrition, social services, and a good quality of life. The IDA is not only the primary source of concessional financing for these countries, but its funding often serves as a catalyst for rapid development. 36 countries have graduated from IDA so far. Many graduates have returned to IDA as donors – and they include some of the world’s most dynamic economies.