COVID-19: IBRD grants Tunisia €18.3m loan

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, has lent Tunisia €18.3 million earmarked for the fight against the COVID-19 health crisis.

The Tunisian cabinet Friday validated the loan, which was signed on May 11. The North African country needs $157 million in addition to external sources to roll out anti-covid-19 national policy.

The IBRD loan, at a 0.5 per cent interest rate, will be repaid over 15 years.

The World Bank, IBRD’s parent company, early this month announced $35 million destined to support the health ministry in its fight against the novel covid-19 and finance the purchase of medical equipment.

In addition to the World Bank, the IMF has approved a $745m loan to Tunisia. The European Union on its part granted the North African country €250 million while Italy pledged €50 million.

So far, 1,048 people have been infected by the respiratory disease.