The World Bank’s support for low-income countries hosting large numbers of refugees has now reached a total of 21 countries, under the three cycles of IDA replenishments of the International Development Association (IDA18- IDA 20 )—the Bank’s fund for the poorest. Many governments are embarking on reforms to adopt more inclusive approaches to refugees and host communities, and access to new financing presents an opportunity for them to translate these ideas into actual policies that can make a difference on the ground.

During the last IDA20 period, $2.4  billion was made available to help host countries manage protracted crises with longer term solutions. As of December 2025 21, countries— Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad,  Congo, Republic of, Djibouti, Congo, Democratic Republic of, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Niger, Pakistan, Rwanda, Kenya, Liberia, South Sudan, Uganda, Togo, Zambia, Benin and the Central Africa Republic-—have become eligible for assistance.  

Through this financing, countries are reviewing policies and implementing programs that help refugees to become more self-reliant. Host communities will also benefit from development projects that will support services such as education and healthcare. As of December 2025, 100 operations have been approved in 21 countries totaling US$ $5.4 billion from the WHR Window.

For example, in Cameroon, support from IDA18 is helping to improve access to health care and education for refugees and hosts, and to include the most vulnerable households in social safety nets. Municipal development plans are being developed jointly by host communities and refugees, and small public works are bringing improvements for host communities and refugees alike.