Doha, January 25, 2026 - The World Bank Group (WBG) and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the official opening of the World Bank Group's office in Doha, marking a significant step in strengthening strategic cooperation to deliver innovative and sustainable development solutions globally.
The inauguration and signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, H.E. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of QFFD, H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, Minister of Finance, H.E. Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Vice Chairperson of QFFD, along with senior officials from both institutions.
The inauguration of the World Bank Group's new office established in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and hosted at QFFD headquarters will support the realization of Qatar National Vision 2030 and enhance the World Bank Group's engagement with Qatar's public and private sectors. The office will also serve as a platform to promote outbound investment into emerging markets across the region and globally.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovative financing for development, supporting reconstruction, recovery, and job creation across the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and fragile and conflict-affected contexts. By mobilizing public and private sector instruments, the collaboration will focus on unlocking opportunities in priority sectors for long-term resilience, stability, and inclusive growth, including human capital, energy and mining, agribusiness, and digital development.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, WBG and QFFD intend to explore future collaboration in support of countries aligned with global development priorities, including efforts to expand access to electricity for 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa through the M-300 initiative, and to improve the livelihoods of up to 250 million smallholder farmers globally through the World Bank Group's AgriConnect platform.
During the ceremony, Mr. Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General at QFFD, stated: "This milestone reflects the State of Qatar's long-standing commitment to strengthening partnerships with leading international financial institutions and accelerating the implementation of sustainable development programmes, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030."
"Our partnership with the Qatar Fund for Development aligns shared strategic priorities and complementary capabilities to drive job creation-supporting economic opportunity in places where employment is essential to long-term stability," said Mr. Ajay Banga, World Bank Group President.
This milestone further reinforces Qatar's position as a global hub for economic and financial cooperation and highlights QFFD's role as a catalyst for impactful international partnerships that advance equitable and sustainable development.
