The Africa Heads of State Summit (April 29) in Nairobi was an important moment to showcase the critical role the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) plays as the largest source of grants and low-cost loans for the world’s 75 poorest countries, 39 of which are in sub-Saharan Africa.

The combined toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerating climate change, food insecurity, growing debt distress, and other crises have led to what the World Bank is calling a “historic reversal” in economic growth in half of IDA countries, which in turn has widened the income gap, stalled efforts to reduce poverty and hunger, and derailed progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. 

In a letter led by Resilience Action Network Africa, more than 20 civil society organizations, including PAN, call on shareholders and IDA decision makers to take the lead for a historic IDA21 replenishment by ensuring that IDA is well-resourced to help countries respond to historic challenges, and advance the World Bank’s mission to end poverty on a liveable planet. 

As the Nairobi Summit concludes, now is the time to move from words to actions. 

Read the full letter and contact Julius Anyega to sign on.