OPEC Fund approves US$100 million in new global development support

Support for transportation and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are highlights of the latest projects the OPEC Fund for International Development has approved at the 180th session of its Governing Board in Vienna today. The total of US$100 million in new funding will benefit public and private sector projects promoting sustainable development around the world.

Malawi: A US$20 million loan for the SADC Sub Regional Transport and Trade Facilitation Project will support the rehabilitation of 101 kilometers of roadway and 50 kilometers of feeder roads in the central region of the country. Additionally, 16,000 trees will be planted, several schools will be renovated and three roadside markets will be relocated. The project’s overall objective is to enhance competitiveness and socio-economic integration between Malawi and neighbouring Mozambique. 

Uganda: A US$30 million loan will finance the upgrade from gravel to a paved surface for a section of approximately 70 kilometers in the country’s central eastern region. The improvement of the national road network will facilitate better access to markets for farmers and traders and boost access to social services in the region. The project will directly benefit more than half a million people.

Cambodia: Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), including those that are women-owned and rurally located, stand to profit from a US$20 million loan to the financial sector for on-lending. Improving access to financing is especially important for MSME’s in the recovery period after the COVID-19 pandemic as these businesses are responsible for a significant portion of Cambodia’s GDP.

Uzbekistan: A US$30 million loan to the country’s financial sector will support local small businesses through on-lending. The loan will have significant development impact on national growth thanks to the key role SMEs play as the backbone of Uzbekistan’s economy, accounting for more than half of the country’s GDP and approximately 75 percent of employment. 

About the OPEC Fund 
The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established by the member countries of OPEC in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$22 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of US$187 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and AA/Positive Outlook by S&P in 2021. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.