Norway and the World Bank strengthen efforts to combat corruption

The agreements have a framework of NOK 110 million, with the possibility of further scaling up, and will run from 2026 to 2029. They were signed during the World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok today. 

‘Corruption is one of the main reasons why countries fail to escape poverty. To ensure that aid and a country’s own tax revenues contribute to sustainable development, we must strengthen anti-corruption efforts. That is why we are working with the World Bank to improve public financial management in developing countries,' said Minister of International Development, Åsmund Aukrust. 

One of the programmes receiving Norwegian support is the World Bank’s Financial Management Umbrella Program (FMUP). Through this programme, the World Bank assists countries in strengthening budgeting, accounting, auditing and other aspects of public financial management. 

The second programme receiving Norwegian support is the Governance & Institutions Umbrella Program (G&I). Through G&I, Norway supports the World Bank's efforts to integrate anti-corruption and integrity measures into broader public sector reforms. This includes initiatives to enhance integrity and transparency in public procurement, improve information on the beneficial ownership of companies, and strengthen oversight of assets and conflicts of interest. Norwegian funding will help developing countries develop reform programmes that can unlock substantially greater financing through the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank's lending facility for the world's poorest countries.  

'This agreement is intended to help countries put themselves in the strongest possible position to stand on their own feet, because development assistance should be temporary. Good governance is essential for attracting private investment, which in turn creates jobs and increases domestic tax revenues. That is the foundation for a sustainable future,’ said Åsmund Aukrust.