The International Development Association (IDA) is the World Bank’s key mechanism for supporting the world’s poorest countries. By providing low-interest loans and grants, IDA helps to improve health, education, infrastructure, and resilience against global challenges like climate change. It’s a partnership that empowers countries to lead their own development, promoting growth and reducing poverty.
As IDA prepares for its next replenishment meeting in December, Canada has a crucial role to play. Investing in IDA isn’t just about helping others—it’s about creating a more stable, equitable, and prosperous world for everyone.
Want to dig deeper and learn more? Keep reading below the gallery.
What Makes IDA21 So Important?
IDA21’s theme is “Ending Poverty on a Livable Planet: Delivering Impact with Urgency and Ambition.” This bold approach focuses on:
- People: Expanding access to health, education, and job opportunities.
- Planet: Investing in climate resilience and renewable energy.
- Prosperity: Creating jobs and fostering economic growth.
- Digitalization & Infrastructure: Building the systems that connect people and ideas.
These priorities reflect the urgent challenges facing countries in IDA’s focus regions, many of which are in Africa.
Africa’s Transformative Potential
Africa is at a turning point. By 2050, the continent will be home to a quarter of the world’s workforce. This demographic boom represents a historic opportunity for economic transformation—but only if the right investments are made.
Currently, Africa’s labor market creates 3 million jobs annually, while over 11 million young people enter the workforce each year. Bridging this gap requires:
- Expanding private investment and skills training.
- Building regional trade networks and value chains.
- Leveraging abundant natural resources, including 40% of the world’s renewable energy potential, to drive green industrial growth.
IDA is uniquely positioned to support these efforts by providing the concessional financing needed to tackle poverty and promote sustainable development.
Examples of IDA’s Impact
IDA funding has already delivered transformative results:
- In Malawi, electrification projects brought solar power to 1 million people and established 10 tech hubs, training 19,000 young people in digital skills.
- In Madagascar, IDA facilitated the digital issuance of 1.39 million land certificates, helping communities secure their livelihoods.
- In Sierra Leone, IDA enabled 30,000 women to commercialize smallholdings and improve agricultural practices, while also building four bridges to serve 1.7 million people.
These projects showcase how IDA funding directly improves lives, empowering communities while laying the groundwork for long-term growth.
Why Canada’s Role Matters
As African countries embrace trade integration, renewable energy, and 21st-century skills, they are keeping their end of the IDA partnership. Leaders have committed to the African Continental Free Trade Area, launched Mission 300 to improve electricity access for 300 million people, and prioritized youth-focused policies.
Now it’s time for donor countries like Canada to step up. Other nations are already showing bold leadership—Norway increased its IDA commitment by 50%, Korea by 45%, and Spain by 35%. By making a stable and predictable investment in IDA21, Canada can ensure African countries have the resources they need to succeed.
Conclusion
Africa’s future is tied to global prosperity. By investing in IDA21, Canada can help unlock the continent’s vast potential, creating opportunities for millions while addressing shared challenges like climate change and inequality. Let’s commit to a better, more sustainable future—together.
#InvestInIDA21
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