Record Funding for World's Poorest Countries

Almost US$ 42 Billion for next three years

Berlin, December 14, 2007 - Donor countries today pledged a record US$ 25.1 bilIion for the World Bank to help overcome poverty in the world's poorest countries. In total, the IDA 15 replenishment will provide US$ 41.6 billion, an increase of US$ 9.5 billion over the previous replenishment (IDA 14) which provided US$ 32.1 billion.

"This is the largest expansion in donor funding in IDA's history," World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick said of the 15th replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA 15). "The donor community has demonstrated its full commitment to helping countries overcome poverty and achieve sustainable growth, especially in Africa. "

The record donor pledges for IDA 15 represent a 42 percent increase from the previous replenishment. This is complemented by US$ 16.5 billion in internal financing from the World Bank Group and prior donor pledges for financing debt forgiveness.

To learn more about the impact of IDA operations, visit http://www.worldbank.org/results