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The Republic of Kosovo has become an official donor to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) with a paid-in contribution of $1.4 million, reported the World Bank Group.
IDA is the World Bank’s fund for 78 low-income countries. Projects funded by IDA boost economic growth, build resilience and improve people’s lives across the countries it supports. Kosovo’s commitment comes as multiple crises take a disproportionate toll on low-income countries. Kosovo is also among the 78 countries that borrow from IDA, but the country has experienced steady economic progress since independence, with a nearly 50% increase in per-capita income and a 35% reduction in the poverty rate. The most recent IDA projects in Kosovo will support investments that facilitate trade and more efficient transport and support financial stability and inclusion.
“Having benefited from IDA’s support on our continuing development journey, we understand firsthand the transformative impact these resources can have,” said Hekuran Murati, Minister of Finance, Labour and Transfers of Kosovo. “We are proud to contribute to supporting other nations on their path to prosperity.”
Comment: IDA is replenished every three years, and the 21st round of IDA negotiations concluded in December 2024. IDA supports a range of development activities, like water security, digital economy, digital governance, social assistance reform, early childhood education and care, health, fiscal effectiveness, competitiveness, and green growth.
Kosovo joins a global community of donors that enables IDA to provide concessional financing for development across 78 low-income and vulnerable countries. This step is indicative for Kosovo’s aspiration to become a full member of the most important international organizations.
