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The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to enhance cooperation in agricultural development and food security initiatives. The agreement was formalized on February 5, 2026, during the World Government Summit in Dubai, marking a significant milestone in collaborative development financing efforts between the two institutions.
Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and Alvaro Lario, President of IFAD, signed the agreement in the presence of senior officials from both organizations. The partnership establishes a framework for joint project selection, financing coordination, and knowledge sharing across agricultural sectors.
Strategic Partnership Agreement Objectives
The strategic partnership agreement aims to strengthen cooperation across multiple areas, with particular emphasis on developing innovative financing models that address challenges in agriculture, food security, and climate action. According to the announcement, the framework will facilitate knowledge exchange and create more efficient and flexible funding mechanisms tailored to rural development needs.
The agreement establishes clear foundations for collaboration in selecting and financing sovereign projects within IFAD’s portfolio. Both institutions will coordinate their assessment and approval procedures while respecting each organization’s regulatory frameworks and operational policies, ensuring resources are directed effectively to maximize developmental impact.
Focus on Rural Development and Climate Resilience
Al Suwaidi stated that the agreement reflects the Fund’s ambitious vision of building solid partnerships with leading international financial institutions. He emphasized that the collaboration is based on integrated efforts and coordinated implementation and evaluation processes, supporting the development of sustainable agricultural projects.
The partnership focuses on enhancing agricultural value chains, improving the quality of life for rural populations, and increasing communities’ capacity to adapt to various climate and economic changes. These priorities align with broader global efforts to strengthen food security and sustainable rural transformation.
Expanding Investment in Agricultural Projects
Lario described the cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development as an advanced model for partnerships that enhance coordination of financing efforts and expand the scope of investment in agricultural projects. Through this institutional framework, both organizations will leverage their resources and expertise to drive economic growth and meet the needs of rural communities.
Additionally, the partnership aims to contribute to food security enhancement and climate action support through targeted investments. The agreement creates opportunities for both institutions to combine their respective strengths in development financing and agricultural expertise.
Implications for Development Financing
This collaboration represents a qualitative milestone in the partnership trajectory between the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and IFAD. The agreement establishes a promising phase of joint work, capacity building, and role integration designed to enhance communities’ future prospects and support their ability to grow and progress.
Meanwhile, the partnership addresses growing global concerns about food security and climate resilience in developing nations. By coordinating their financing activities, both institutions can avoid duplication and ensure that agricultural development projects receive adequate support and technical expertise.
The agreement is expected to facilitate more streamlined project implementation and monitoring processes. However, specific details regarding initial projects or funding commitments under this partnership framework have not been disclosed by either organization at this time.
