YEREVAN, September 15, 2025 ¨C The Government of Armenia has increased its contribution to the International Development Association (IDA) by 30%, reinforcing its commitment to global development and poverty reduction. Formalized at a ceremony with Armenia¡¯s Ministry of Finance and World Bank leadership, this pledge highlights the country¡¯s extraordinary journey from an IDA recipient in the 1990s to an IDA donor in 2023, just nine years after graduating from IDA support.
¡°Armenia¡¯s pledge is more than a financial contribution; it is an investment in hope and solidarity,¡± said Akihiko Nishio, World Bank Vice President for Development Finance. ¡°As a former recipient who now donates to IDA, Armenia brings the credibility of a nation that has walked the difficult path of reform and emerged stronger. This is the power of international development done right.¡±
IDA played a central role in Armenia¡¯s development following its independence in 1991, supporting the country¡¯s transition to a market economy, building institutions, and investing in social safety nets and infrastructure. Armenia graduated from IDA in 2014, marking a milestone in its economic transformation. By returning as a donor in 2023, Armenia brought its experience of reform and recovery to IDA¡¯s global mission.
¡°We want to serve as an example that, as a result of consistent work, a country receiving support can also become a donor country. This is a great responsibility for us,¡± said Vahe Hovhannisyan, Minister of Finance of Armenia.
IDA is one of the largest sources of concessional finance for 78 low-income countries around the world, providing grants and low-interest financing for projects that promote jobs and economic growth and reduce poverty. IDA is replenished every three years, and the 21st round of IDA negotiations concluded in December 2024.
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