Mali - Rapid Response Option Triggered : Funds Repurposed through Mali Contingent Emergency Response Project (CERP)

Overview & Synopsis

In accordance with the Board paper approving changes to International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and International Development Association operational policies to enhance the World Bank crisis preparedness and response toolkit on February 1, 2024, this report shares information on the triggering of Rapid Response Options and the repurposing of funds, including the types of crises, the instruments employed, and portfolio reallocation parameters. On April 23, 2026, the Division Director approved Mali’s request to repurpose funds through the Mali Contingent Emergency Response Project (CERP) to address a severe energy crisis caused by a prolonged fuel supply blockade and sharp increases in global oil prices that led to widespread electricity shortages, disruption of essential services, and significant economic and social impacts. The Rapid Response Option was triggered, and the reallocation was within the ten percent limit in a fiscal year of the total undisbursed Investment Project Financing and Program for Results Bank Loan portfolio. The funds were sourced from International Development Association operations, specifically from the Bamako Urban Resilience Project, the Mali Water Security Project, the Mali Community Resilience and Inclusive Services Project Malidenko, and the Mali Connectivity and Road Resilience Project, and were disbursed via the Contingent Emergency Response Project instrument. The report concludes that the repurposing adheres to policy limits and procedures, provides timely support to mitigate the crisis’s social and economic impacts, and demonstrates the effective operationalization of the revised Rapid Response Options. The policy change referenced is the Board’s approval of enhanced operational policies for crisis preparedness and response, and this case illustrates their implementation, including the use of CERP and systematic reporting to the Board on triggers and repurposing.