Dubai: The OPEC Fund for International Development (The OPEC Fund) has committed a record $3.2 billion to development operations in 2025, marking the highest annual volume in the institution's history and a 39 percent increase from the previous year. This achievement comes as the OPEC Fund prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, emphasizing its growing role in global development.
According to Emirates News Agency, the fund's record performance highlights its expanding capabilities in assisting partner countries to bolster economic resilience, address infrastructure gaps, improve food security, increase energy access, and tackle climate-related issues. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, OPEC Fund President, stated that the results demonstrate the institution's maturity and the trust it has earned from partners, member countries, and investors.
In 2025, the OPEC Fund signed 35 public-sector operations, 26 private-sector operations, and 15 grants across its financing windows. Public sector commitments were directed towards government-led reforms, infrastructure investment, and essential services, while private-sector operations focused on promoting growth, job creation, and trade finance. Grant financing, totaling about $7 million, supported humanitarian aid, energy access, and social sectors.
The financing was concentrated in sectors with high development impact, with transport and infrastructure receiving the largest share of approximately $900 million. Policy-based lending amounted to $865 million, and trade finance, along with financial sector operations, exceeded $800 million. Additional investments were made in agriculture, energy, water, sanitation, health, and education, reflecting the fund's multisector mandate.
Regionally, Sub-Saharan Africa received the largest share, with commitments totaling approximately $1.2 billion, or 36 percent of total financing. The Middle East, Europe and Central Asia received $849 million (26 percent), Latin America and the Caribbean $556 million (17 percent), and Asia and the Pacific $491 million (15 percent). The remaining commitments supported multiregional and global operations.