In a statement yesterday, the bank said its executive directors has approved its work programme for 2019-2021 and the budget for next year.

The development projects included $134.5m for a natural gas transmission project in Tunisia, to meet the increasing demand for electricity as well as $19.2m for new rural roads in Senegal. It will also provide $26m to strengthen the health system, with focus on maternal, new born and child health, in Djibouti.

A further $15m would also go to improving maternal and child health in Tajikistan.

Other programmes include efforts to support economic growth through rice production and marketing in various countries.

The IsDB consists of 57 member countries and works around the world.