The International Development Association (IDA) is a part of the World Bank that helps the world’s poorest countries. Overseen by 173 shareholder nations, the IDA aims to reduce poverty by providing loans (called “credits”) and grants for programmes that boost economic growth, reduce inequalities and improve people’s living conditions.

The IDA complements the World Bank’s original lending arm—the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). The IBRD was established to function as a self-sustaining business, and provides loans and advice to middle-income and credit-worthy poor countries.