In a significant move to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Board of Executive Directors of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) approved over US$1.4 billion in financing for development projects across eight member countries. The approval, granted during the 359th meeting held on March 16, 2025, under the chairmanship of H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, will fund initiatives in various sectors, including food security, health, education, transport, sanitation, and urban development.
Among the major projects approved is a EUR 500 million financing package for the “Disaster-Resilient Health Infrastructure Development Project” in Türkiye. This initiative is designed to address the increased demand for accessible and resilient healthcare services, further complementing the Bank’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare infrastructure. Another key project in Türkiye includes a EUR 200.2 million facility for the “Municipal Infrastructure for Recovery and Resilience Project.” This project will enhance municipal services related to water, wastewater management, and transport, benefiting approximately 3 million people and boosting Türkiye’s urban development efforts.
The IsDB has also allocated US$ 241.3 million for the construction of five climate-resilient bridges in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh Division. This infrastructure project aims to reduce vehicle operating costs, minimize travel time, and cut down greenhouse gas emissions, thereby improving the lives of local communities. Additionally, Nigeria will receive US$ 102.4 million in financing from the IsDB. Of this amount, US$ 52.4 million will focus on enhancing food security in Zamfara State, while the remaining US$ 50 million will be directed towards improving other critical sectors in the country.
Uzbekistan will benefit from US$ 93 million in IsDB financing, with a portion of this amount being earmarked for enhancing healthcare services in the Kashkadarya region. Additionally, the IsDB has approved a US$ 10 million funding boost for Phase-II of the Support to Development of Oncology Services Project in Uzbekistan, further strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
In West Africa, Togo will receive a EUR 141.4 million financing facility aimed at improving regional connectivity through the “Rehabilitation of the WAEMU CU18-Ghana-Benin Border Road Project.” This road rehabilitation will improve travel between Ghana, Togo, and Benin, driving economic efficiency, reducing transport costs, and supporting regional food security.
In Cameroon, IsDB financing will enhance the country’s basic education sector through a EUR 36.8 million joint facility under the SMART-Ed Initiative. This funding will improve the quality and efficiency of Cameroon’s education system, benefiting approximately 154,000 children and ensuring inclusive access to quality basic education.
Burkina Faso is set to receive EUR 35.1 million for the Ouagadougou Suburban Sanitation Project, which will help improve rainwater drainage systems, address flooding in the capital, and upgrade public sanitation and healthcare facilities. This project also aims to create green jobs, particularly benefiting women and youth.
Finally, IsDB has approved US$ 30.5 million for Sierra Leone to support the “Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project.” The project will focus on poverty reduction, enhancing food and nutrition security, and creating employment opportunities for rural women and youth, particularly through livestock production and market access initiatives.
These funding approvals reflect IsDB’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable, inclusive development and positively impacting the quality of life in communities across its member countries. By targeting critical sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and food security, these projects are poised to make significant contributions towards achieving the SDGs in the IsDB member states.