From commitment to action: Driving effective implementation in IDA21

By Akihiko Nishio

In an era marked by unprecedented challenges, rapid change, and fiscal constraints, the need to effectively implement development efforts for greater impact has never been higher. 

The 21st round of financing for the International Development Association (IDA21), our fund for low-income countries, is ushering in a bold new chapter to build a better life for all, supported by up to $100 billion in commitments from donors and the World Bank. As 78 countries prepare to chart their own courses toward prosperity, the spotlight turns to the tactics and partnerships that will transform this ambition into tangible progress for the world’s most vulnerable communities.

IDA21’s forward-thinking approach rests on three pillars: building on past achievements, fostering innovative solutions, and forging strong, inclusive partnerships. Through using this strategy in its efforts, IDA21 is not only enhancing operational efficiency and responsiveness but also laying the groundwork for sustainable, far-reaching impact. 

Building on strong performance

IDA21's journey towards reaching its goals is supercharged by past successes. IDA has consistently been laser-focused on results. In fiscal year (FY) 2024, which ended on June 30, 2025, 91 percent of IDA-financed operations showed satisfactory performance in achieving development objectives and outcomes. IDA’s financing commitments and disbursement numbers underscore these gains:

• IDA20, which wrapped up at the end of FY 2024, committed financial support to countries totaling around $100 billion, taking into account cancellations and recommitments.

• Financing commitments increased by 69 percent during FY 2020-2024 compared to FY 2015-2019. 

• Average annual commitments for IDA countries in fragile and conflict situations have tripled. 

• IDA disbursements have kept pace, increasing by 72 percent in the past five years. 

• The share of IDA’s overall undisbursed balance is at the lowest point in the last decade.

In IDA21, the World Bank will continue to strengthen these positive trends, motivated by the prospect of improving the lives of 1.9 billion people. Our ambitious policy package covers investments in people, the planet, and prosperity, as well as infrastructure, digitalization, jobs, private investments, fragility, and gender equality. 

A crucial element of IDA’s operational support is proactive monitoring and flexible deployment of operational financing to respond to evolving priorities. In IDA21, operations can be restructured or funds reprogrammed for new activities that better align with country strategies and needs. As of August 2024, $4.5 billion is eligible for recommitment, with further opportunities being explored.

Hands-on implementation support

IDA's on-the-ground presence, including in fragile and conflict contexts, combined with its implementation support structures provide a strong foundation for its success. Staff presence enables closer monitoring, active dialogue with clients, and tailored interventions. The World Bank is increasing the availability of its staff to help our clients reduce project preparation time to under 12 months. Also, a new IDA Grant Facility for Project Preparation will help deliver high- quality proposals. 

Procurement is also a critical component of implementing IDA-supported projects. IDA21 will follow the World Bank’s Procurement Framework, which promotes tailored approaches that emphasize choice, quality, and value for public spending, while allowing for adaptation to country contexts. The framework will help IDA clients attract top suppliers, unlock innovation, create local jobs, and deliver better development outcomes through a greater focus on quality, sustainability, and innovative solutions.   

IDA21 also benefits from our various efforts currently underway to become a better bank, one that delivers with speed, scale, and quality for impact. 

Strong partnerships in delivering IDA21

In today’s world, the complexity of global challenges demands strong coordination and collective action among countries, development partners, the private sector, and civil society. That’s why partnerships are central to our IDA work. IDA has been a steadfast partner and a strong convener and contributor, fostering alignment among those we work with on policy, knowledge, financing, and best practices. We will continue to do so in IDA21. 

IDA21 stands at a critical juncture, empowered by ambitious investments, proven strategies, and a spirit of collaboration that transcends borders and sectors. By harnessing the dedication of partners and the innovative drive within its operations, IDA21 is uniquely positioned to help address our most pressing challenges with agility and purpose, delivering outcomes that transform lives.