International Development Association

The IDA offers assistance to the poorest countries, providing them with interest free loans, technical assistance and policy advice. The IDA is funded by wealthier nations and accounts for around 25 percent of all World Bank lending. IDA lends only to those countries that have a per capita income of less than $885 (1999 figures) and lack the financial ability to borrow from World Bank. At present, 78 countries are eligible to borrow from IDA.