OPEC Fund approves $1 billion in financing and launches first euro bond
The OPEC Fund for International Development has approved more than $1 billion in new development financing during the third quarter of 2025, while also issuing its first-ever Euro-denominated benchmark bond worth €500 million. These milestones, announced during the 193rd Governing Board meeting, underscore the institution’s efforts to expand its global impact as it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026.
OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa emphasized the significance of these moves, noting that the financing approvals and inaugural Euro bond demonstrate the Fund’s commitment to partner countries. “We are deepening our support for resilience, inclusive growth and climate action, while laying the groundwork for long-term opportunities,” he said.
Financing projects across regions
The approved financing will support a wide range of transformative projects across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Public sector operations include funding for health, education, clean energy, water and sanitation, and climate resilience. Projects range from El Salvador’s Surf City Program and South Africa’s infrastructure modernization to Fiji’s health transformation and Türkiye’s 224-km electrified railway.
Private sector operations and trade finance were also bolstered, with initiatives such as Egypt’s 1,000 MW solar-plus-storage facility, Côte d’Ivoire’s 372 MW power plant, and targeted SME financing in Bangladesh, Jordan and Paraguay. A regional cocoa trade finance facility in West Africa is set to improve livelihoods for farmers in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
Expanding financial strength with euro bond
Alongside its project approvals, the OPEC Fund successfully launched its €500 million Euro benchmark bond on international capital markets, broadening its investor base and strengthening its funding strategy. The proceeds will be used to finance and refinance projects aligned with its development mandate, with a strong focus on sustainability.
The bond issuance not only diversifies the institution’s funding sources but also reinforces its position as a credible development finance player. As the OPEC Fund looks ahead to its 50th anniversary in 2026, these milestones reflect its capacity to innovate, grow and deliver long-term transformational impact.
