Vienna: The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) has approved over US$1 billion in new development financing during the third quarter of 2025, as announced following its 193rd Governing Board meeting. The institution also successfully issued its first-ever euro-denominated benchmark bond, raising 500 million euros on international capital markets, in a landmark move to further strengthen its development mandate.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the new approvals, alongside the inaugural euro benchmark bond, are a clear demonstration of the OPEC Fund’s commitment to delivering more for its partner countries. As the organization approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026, these twin milestones highlight its ability to innovate, grow, and drive transformational impact. OPEC Fund President, Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, emphasized that these developments reflect the institution’s commitment to delivering more for partner countries.
The recently approved operations will support transformative projects across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, focusing on sectors such as health, education, clean energy, water and sanitation, sustainable livelihoods, and resilient infrastructure. In El Salvador, a US$70 million loan will co-finance the second phase of the Surf City Program, aimed at road upgrades, sanitation expansion, and climate resilience in La Libertad’s tourism zone. Eswatini will receive US$50 million to implement fiscal reforms and strengthen competitiveness, while Papua New Guinea will benefit from a similar amount to improve early education and teacher training. In South Africa, the OPEC Fund is providing US$150 million to modernize infrastructure and advance energy reforms in support of a low-carbon transition.
On the private sector front, Egypt is receiving US$40 million for a large-scale solar-plus-storage facility in Aswan, one of the largest in Africa. Bangladesh is being allocated US$30 million to improve access to trade finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in agribusiness. Additional funding includes US$25 million to Jordan to scale up MSME and climate lending, US$50 million to Oman for an industrial facility producing renewable energy inputs, and US$25 million to Paraguay as part of a larger syndicated facility aimed at SME development with a focus on women-led businesses.
The success of the Euro benchmark bond marks a milestone in the OPEC Fund’s funding strategy, broadening its investor base and reinforcing its position as a credible and innovative development finance institution. The proceeds of the bond will be used to finance and refinance projects aligned with the OPEC Fund’s development mandate, with a strong focus on sustainability and long-term impact.