Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 07 July 2025 – The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has approved over US$277 million in new development financing to help create jobs, improve access to essential services, and support inclusive, sustainable growth across its Member Countries.

The decisions were made during the 361st Meeting of the IsDB Board of Executive Directors, chaired by IsDB President, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser.

This latest round of development financing approvals highlights the Bank’s strong commitment to supporting transformative projects that make a tangible difference in people’s lives, while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The approved financing package spans vital sectors, namely healthcare, education, and transportation and is focused on addressing urgent development challenges, from improving urban mobility to strengthening public health systems and building human capital.

In Mauritania, the IsDB Board approved EUR 26.18 million for the “Expansion of the National Cardiology Center in Nouakchott Project” which will strengthen the country’s ability to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, one of the leading causes of premature death. It will also improve access to life-saving specialized care for thousands of people.

In Côte d'Ivoire, a financing package of EUR 200 million will support the “Abidjan Sustainable and Integrated Urban Mobility Project,” a major initiative that will modernize the city's public transport system. The project aims to reduce congestion, promote greener transportation, and make it easier for residents, especially those in underserved areas to reach jobs, schools, and essential services.

Meanwhile, in The Gambia, the Bank is investing US$ 32.20 million to help establish the “School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (SMAHS)” at the University of The Gambia. This initiative will help address the country’s critical shortage of healthcare professionals by building a pipeline of locally trained doctors, nurses, and public health experts, ultimately improving the quality and resilience of the national health system.

The approval of these strategic projects underscores IsDB’s steadfast commitment to financing transformative, high-impact initiatives that drive socio-economic progress. These investments demonstrate the Bank’s multidimensional and substantial contribution to the Member Countries’ development priorities towards building a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future, forming part of IsDB’s broader efforts to foster impactful investments that deliver sustainable, measurable results and help communities thrive.