ADB and World Bank Unveil Transformative Pacific Islands Projects Under New Joint Financing Framework
Manila – The Asian Development Bank and the World Bank have launched two major development projects in the Pacific islands, marking the start of a new era of collaboration designed to accelerate progress and strengthen regional resilience.
The initiatives are the first to be implemented under the Full Mutual Reliance Framework, an innovative cofinancing model that aims to simplify processes and deliver development support more efficiently.
The framework allows one institution to act as the lead lender, significantly reducing duplication and freeing up financial and human resources for on-the-ground implementation.
This streamlined approach represents a major shift in how multilateral development banks cooperate, offering a faster and more agile response to the needs of vulnerable countries.
The first project, valued at $236.5 million, focuses on transforming Fiji’s healthcare system and addressing the growing challenge of non-communicable diseases.
It includes modernising primary healthcare and developing a regional hospital that will be equipped to deliver early diagnosis, preventive care and advanced treatment.
Fiji faces one of the highest rates of non-communicable diseases in the region, with diabetes being a leading cause of death.
Health leaders say the new project will be instrumental in strengthening early detection, improving access to quality care and reducing the burden of preventable diseases.
Officials emphasized that the initiative is not only a healthcare upgrade but also a long-term investment in the well-being and productivity of Fiji’s population.
Better services, advanced medical facilities and a stronger preventive health system will support economic stability and improve quality of life.
The second project focuses on Tonga, where a $120 million grant-backed development program will upgrade essential transport, urban and water infrastructure.
It is the country’s largest project funded by international development partners and is expected to transform connectivity and strengthen disaster resilience.
Key improvements include enhancements to transport corridors around the capital Nuku’alofa and major upgrades to drainage systems that will reduce flooding risks.
A 720-meter bridge across a lagoon will ease congestion, improve daily mobility and provide a reliable evacuation route during natural disasters such as tsunamis.
Development partners noted that countries with limited administrative capacity often spend disproportionate time coordinating with lenders instead of implementing projects.
The new cofinancing approach is designed to remove these obstacles, ensuring that governments can direct more attention to executing development plans efficiently.
Leaders from both institutions highlighted that the framework aims to make cooperation more coherent, more effective and better aligned with each country’s priorities.
By eliminating duplicated processes, the model frees time, money and technical expertise that can instead be dedicated to accelerating real-world impact.
Officials also confirmed that around 20 additional projects are already in preparation under the same system, covering sectors such as clean energy, infrastructure, agribusiness and social protection.
These upcoming initiatives reflect a growing commitment to coordinated action, especially in regions that face heightened climate and economic vulnerabilities.
Multilateral development banks are exploring similar partnerships to expand the benefits of streamlined cooperation.
Discussions are underway with institutions in Europe, Latin America and Africa, signaling broader momentum toward unified global development efforts.
The launch of the Fiji and Tonga projects demonstrates that collaborative financing can significantly enhance efficiency and deliver faster, more reliable support to countries in need.
With improved healthcare, upgraded infrastructure and strengthened disaster resilience, the Pacific islands stand to see long-term benefits that will bolster stability and growth.
