Enviro News Asia, Washington D.C. — International Fund for Agricultural Development and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) have signed a new co-financing framework agreement to expand joint investments in rural development and food systems worldwide.
The agreement was formalized during the World Bank Group-IMF Spring Meetings, reinforcing a long-standing partnership aimed at supporting small-scale farmers, rural communities, and food value chains, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
IFAD President Alvaro Lario said the partnership would enhance the effectiveness of financing and ensure greater impact for rural populations.
“This framework allows us to scale investments and better support communities that need it most,” he stated.
AFD Chief Executive Officer Rémy Rioux emphasized that the collaboration would strengthen climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable rural transformation, particularly in Africa and other vulnerable regions.
The agreement covers co-financing of projects, policy dialogue, and joint knowledge initiatives, with priorities including climate resilience, food security, youth and women’s empowerment, and private sector engagement.
Both institutions also committed to improving coordination through joint supervision, technical assistance, and harmonized operational standards to increase efficiency and impact.
AFD has historically supported IFAD with significant financing, including sovereign loans totaling €500 million and additional concessional funding, contributing to improved livelihoods, market access, and resilience for millions of farmers globally.
The strengthened partnership is expected to drive more inclusive and sustainable rural development, particularly in fragile and developing regions. (*)
