QATAR FUND FOR DEVELOPMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

ABOUT US

Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) is the State of Qatar's international development and humanitarian assistance provider, committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable development globally, while also responding to immediate humanitarian needs where they arise.

Guided by Qatar's National Vision 2030 and the State's International Cooperation Strategy, and aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, QFFD embodies Qatar's commitment to global solidarity, shared responsibility, and effective international cooperation.

QFFD provides targeted assistance across key priority sectors including education, healthcare, and economic development, while also contributing to emergency response efforts by ensuring timely, principled, and coordinated support to affected communities. In parallel, QFFD continues to expand its engagement in cross-cutting and emerging priority areas including food security, climate resilience, infrastructure, energy, and the use of sport as a catalyst for peace.

In an era of heightened global uncertainty and a widening financing gap for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the need for innovative and catalytic approaches to development finance has become increasingly urgent. In response, QFFD is evolving beyond traditional assistance models by diversifying its financing toolkit, deploying blended finance solutions, mobilizing concessional loans, and utilizing guarantees, results-based financing mechanisms, and other innovative instruments. Through this approach, QFFD aims to maximize the impact of every investment, unlock additional resources, and support scalable and sustainable solutions aligned with national priorities and global development needs.

Central to QFFD's strategy is the clear recognition that no single actor can address today's complex and interconnected global challenges alone. Achieving transformative and lasting impact requires collective action built on trust, shared responsibility, and complementary strengths. In this spirit, QFFD works in close partnership with United Nations agencies, international and local non-governmental organizations, governments, international financial institutions and development banks, philanthropic organizations, civil society, and the private sector.

QFFD remains committed to advancing sustainable development and humanitarian action, driving innovation, deepening partnerships, and supporting solutions that leave no one behind, while contributing to a more just, sustainable, and inclusive world.

OUR MISSION

QFFD is a public development institution committed, on behalf of the State of Qatar, to improving the livelihood of communities around the world.

OUR VISION

Give hope and promote peace and justice through sustainable and inclusive development

CORE VALUES

Give hope and promote peace and justice through sustainable and inclusive development

Innovation

Innovation

Distinction through fostering creative and innovative solutions.

Colloboration

Colloboration

Working together to support common values and vision to achieve shared goals.

Sustainability

Sustainability

Providing development that meets the needs of both the present and the future.

Transparency

Transparency

Building confidence and assurance in all facets of work.

Excellence

Excellence

Taking responsibility to achieve the development goals of the State of Qatar while meeting the highest performance standards.

Agility

Agility

Rapid response to changing and dynamic needs of the world and challenges arising from these changes.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Focus support to developing countries based on recipient needs and mutual interest.

Deliver on Qatar's international commitments by supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Strengthen local and international cooperation and partnerships to achieve greater impact.

Build and enhance QFFD's internal capabilities.

Develop a wide range of products and ensure sustainability of public resources.

H.E. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON

H.E. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

Chairperson of Qatar Fund for Development

In an increasingly interconnected world, international development cooperation remains a cornerstone of global stability and shared prosperity. The wellbeing of one nation is inseparable from that of all others.

The State of Qatar firmly believes that promoting peace, safeguarding human dignity, and advancing sustainable development are essential foundations of a fair, inclusive, and just international order.

Guided by this belief, Qatar has made humanitarian and development assistance a central pillar of its foreign policy. This enduring commitment reflects a deep sense of global solidarity and a firm conviction in the power of individuals and communities to realize their potential when provided with the right tools and opportunities.

Across the globe, millions continue to endure the consequences of protracted humanitarian crises that deprive them of safety, opportunity, and a dignified life. These emergencies unfold amid growing poverty, food insecurity, limited access to essential services such as education and healthcare, and rising conflict and fragmentation.

These challenges are not isolated. They are the result of deep-rooted systemic fragilities, clear signs of a global framework under immense strain. Addressing them demands not only a sense of shared responsibility, but also a coordinated, comprehensive, and principled response.

The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) was established to embody this vision and translate Qatar's values into measurable, lasting impact. Through innovative investments, diverse partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable outcomes, QFFD implements development and humanitarian programs that advance the objectives of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and respond to the evolving needs of the global community.

At a moment when traditional development assistance is under strain, today's complex challenges require a shift from fragmented aid to catalytic, results-driven investment. QFFD is therefore expanding the use of blended finance, risk-sharing mechanisms, and strategic partnerships that drive lasting transformation.

By harnessing innovative financial solutions, QFFD seeks to maximize the impact of every dollar invested, mobilizing greater capital to empower communities worldwide, particularly in fragile and crisis-affected settings.

The Fund also advocates for the modernization of the global development finance system. Multilateral institutions must evolve beyond conventional donor-recipient dynamics, embracing innovation and reform to overcome persistent barriers, unlock new opportunities, and build resilience across nations.

To truly move the needle, QFFD champions just and inclusive development, by channeling resources to those most in need and prioritizing long-term human impact over short-term financial returns through concessional financing, advocacy, and institutional collaboration.

At its core, QFFD invests in lasting solutions that foster a world where dignity is upheld, potential is nurtured, and opportunity is accessible to all, ensuring that every person, everywhere, can thrive and that no one is left behind.

H.E. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Chairperson of Qatar Fund for Development
Mr Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR GENERAL

Mr Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti

Director General

At Qatar Fund for Development, we derive our mission from a deep belief in the values of humanity and global solidarity as reflected in the State of Qatar National Vision 2030, reaffirming our steadfast commitment to advancing sustainable development that builds a more just and prosperous future for all. We work collectively, inspired by our nation's vision that lies at the heart of all our efforts, embodying our role in empowering countries, communities and individuals and driving positive, lasting change through a variety of innovative support mechanisms, including concessional loans, grants, guarantees and investments.

In a world facing significant challenges in health, education, and economic development, all exacerbated by climate change and conflicts, we at Qatar Fund for Development strive to offer innovative solutions and sustainable strategies that support economic and social development, while promoting the values of peace and justice. We also place paramount importance on mitigating the effects of climate change and safeguarding environmental sustainability to ensure quality of life for future generations. We recognize that true prosperity requires action for people, the planet and peace.

We believe that achieving this vision requires partnerships with governments, international organizations, NGOs, the private sector, and local communities. Such collaboration enables us to jointly address the most pressing global challenges while ensuring long-term, impactful solutions that contribute to the stability and prosperity of societies.

Our role reflects the State of Qatar's global development mission, which is manifested in our efforts to enhance education, improve healthcare, and stimulate economic growth while fostering innovation and enabling digital transformation to leave no one behind and build the necessary individual and collective resilience to withstand the many challenges the world is facing. We are confident that collective action is the key to building a brighter and better future for generations to come.

Mr Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti Director General

THEMATIC FOCUS AREAS

PRIORITY SECTORS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 EDUCATION

EDUCATION

 HEALTH

HEALTH

 RELIEF AID

RELIEF AID
CROSS CUTTING THEMES
CLIMATE CHANGE

CLIMATE CHANGE

 FOOD SECURITY

FOOD SECURITY

FLAGSHIP INITIATIVES

SPORTS FOR DEVELOPMENT & PEACE

SPORTS FOR DEVELOPMENT & PEACE

 WOMEN IN CONFLICT ZONES

WOMEN IN CONFLICT ZONES

 QATAR SCHOLARSHIPS

QATAR SCHOLARSHIPS

STATISTICS

Disbursements

Signed Agreements
Disbursements by country and region

By Country & Region
Disbursements by sector

By Sector
Top recipient countries

Top Recipient Countries

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OUR PARTNERS

International Entities

International Entities

International Entities

International Entities

Local Entities

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

QFFD's Economic Development efforts aims to promote inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economic growth by addressing structural vulnerabilities and expanding access to economic opportunities for individuals and communities.

To achieve this, we focus on creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurship, expanding financial inclusion with a particular emphasis on youth, women, and marginalized groups. We also support small and medium enterprises, value-chain development, and livelihood opportunities that strengthen income generation and increase economic participation at the local level.

Through this integrated approach, we foster shared prosperity and inclusive growth aligned with national development priorities and contribute to building resilient economic systems.

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How Caribbean Green-preneurs Have Pioneered Environmentally Friendly Energy Solutions

"Spice Isle Solar has embraced the mission of alleviating the escalating energy costs burdening households and businesses, while also addressing the imminent threat of climate change," Ryan Gittens, Spice Isle Solar Team Leader said.

From the lush rainforests of Granada, Spice Isle Solar has emerged as the hope for an eco-conscious enterprise. Born out of the drive to cut down energy costs and overreliance on fossil fuels in the Eastern Caribbean nation, Spice Isle Solar — winners of a $10,000 seed grant funded by QFFD under the Incubator Program — has established cutting-edge solar solutions.

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Winter Assistance Bringing Warmth and Protection to Displaced Families in Syria

"The clothes and shoes provided will greatly ease the burden of winter on us." Maryam Al-Jassim

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Resilience in Action: Amer Darwish's Journey from Beddawi Camp

"Being a refugee should never be seen as a barrier to achieving your ambitions or realizing your dreams. Instead, let it be a source of motivation." Amer Darwish

Amer Darwish, a Palestinian refugee from Beddawi camp in Lebanon, turned childhood curiosity into a lifelong passion for innovation. Encouraged by his teachers at an UNRWA school, Amer went on to develop six inventions, four of them patented, despite facing displacement, unemployment, and limited opportunities. His creations, including remote-controlled machinery and renewable energy devices, reflect resilience, creativity, and determination in the face of adversity.

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EDUCATION

Education lies at the heart of sustainable and inclusive development. Through our work, we expand equitable access to quality education across all levels, with a strong focus on reaching out-of-school children, refugees, girls, and other marginalized and vulnerable populations. We support interventions across the full education continuum, from early childhood and basic education to secondary, tertiary, and skills-based learning, while investing in system-level reforms that strengthen national education ecosystems.

These efforts include support for teacher training, curriculum development, and the development of safe, inclusive, and resilient education infrastructure, ensuring that learning environments are enabling and responsive to local needs. Recognizing the rapidly evolving global landscape, our education approach focuses on innovation and future-ready learning by promoting digital education solutions, advancing skills development, and supporting pathways aligned with labor market demands to better prepare learners for meaningful employment and lifelong learning.

Through this integrated approach, we are committed to unlocking pathways to opportunity, resilience, and long-term social and economic progress.

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From Displacement to Purpose: Rima's Story

"I do not like giving up. Purpose gets me out of bed every morning. New goals keep me going." Rima

After fleeing conflict in Syria, Rima rebuilt her life in Lebanon by turning her home into a small classroom for children who had never attended school. As a community-based literacy and numeracy instructor, she offers displaced children not only education, but a sense of belonging and hope. With support by QFFD's contribution to UNHCR's multi-purpose cash assistance programme, Rima is able to meet her family's basic needs while continuing to serve her community. Her story reflects how dignity-based humanitarian assistance empowers refugees to lead, give back, and build a better future for the next generation.

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HEALTH

Health is central to human dignity, resilience, and sustainable development. We are committed to strengthening resilient, equitable, and inclusive health systems that ensure the delivery of essential healthcare services, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.

We prioritize expanding access to quality healthcare in fragile, conflict-affected, and underserved settings, with an emphasis on primary healthcare, health infrastructure, maternal and child health, communicable diseases prevention, health system recovery, and long-term capacity building.

Through strategic partnerships with governments, multilateral organizations, and specialized institutions, we support integrated interventions that bridge humanitarian response and sustainable development to protect lives, promote well-being, and build long-term community resilience.

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Mothers Leading the Fight Against Child Malnutrition in Drought-Affected Zimbabwe

In drought-affected Chiredzi district, Zimbabwe, communities are confronting severe food insecurity driven by poor rains and El Niño–induced climate shocks. With harvests reduced and livelihoods under pressure, mothers like Auxilla are stepping up to protect their children's health and nutrition through community-based care groups. Through community-based care groups mothers provide nutrition screening, shared learning, and practical solutions to prevent child malnutrition, even in the midst of crisis.

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Empowering women through improved health care in Herat

"I would have been forced to deal with my health issues by myself at home, the new health center gives us all hope." Shokria

In earthquake-affected Herat, Afghanistan, 21-year-old Shokria visits a WHO-supported health center near her home to receive essential medical care. After her village was severely damaged by earthquakes, access to healthcare became even more critical amid harsh winter conditions and limited services. The establishment of nearby health centers has eased the burden on women and families who previously had to travel long distances for care.

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RELIEF AID

QFFD's humanitarian assistance is guided by internationally recognized humanitarian principles, anchored in the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. We deliver timely, principled, and life-saving support to the world's most vulnerable and hardest-to-reach populations, including internally displaced persons and refugees affected by conflict, natural disasters, and protracted crises.

In line with a humanitarian–development nexus approach, we provide humanitarian assistance across critical sectors, including food security, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), shelter, and health. Interventions are designed to address urgent humanitarian needs while integrating early recovery and resilience-building measures that restore essential services, reduce risk, and strengthen local capacities, supporting a transition from immediate relief toward sustainable recovery and longer-term stability.

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CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is addressed as a cross-cutting development priority, with a clear focus on both mitigation and adaptation. Practical, context-specific solutions are advanced, including climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable resource management, particularly in fragile and climate-vulnerable settings.

At the heart of these efforts is a commitment to locally led knowledge and community-driven initiatives that strengthen local systems, safeguard livelihoods, and address real environmental challenges on the ground. Working closely with governments, multilateral partners, civil society, and communities, integrated efforts are supported to enable long-term environmental resilience and locally sustained climate action.

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Advancing Climate Resilience in Kenya

Zeynab is a community leader from Bura Tana, Kenya, driving grassroots climate solutions in a region severely affected by droughts, floods, and water scarcity along the Tana River. Through the UNDP Accelerator Lab, supported by QFFD, she works to map water sources using climate intelligence and mobile technology, helping communities better manage scarce resources.

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FOOD SECURITY

Food security stands as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, with a focus on strengthening local food systems and enhancing communities' ability to produce, access, and sustain nutritious food. Efforts prioritize context-specific solutions such as support to smallholder farmers, rehabilitation of agricultural livelihoods, improved land and water management, and climate-smart practices. Central to this approach is the promotion of locally led knowledge and practices that reinforce resilience, protect livelihoods, and restore productive capacity in vulnerable and fragile contexts.

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Growing Hope Amid Climate Shocks in Afghanistan

In Badakhshan, Afghanistan, 68-year-old farmer Sharif struggled to support his family as climate change intensified droughts and floods on his small farm. Through QFFD's support to CERF, he received climate-resilient wheat seeds, fertilizer, and training, enabling him to produce enough food for his family and surplus to sell.

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SPORTS FOR DEVELOPMENT & PEACE

The Sports for Development and Peace initiative harnesses the universal power of sport to advance social inclusion, education, health, and peacebuilding in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities. Through sport-based programmes and partnerships, the initiative empowers young people — especially girls and marginalized groups — to build life skills, resilience, and a sense of belonging, while promoting tolerance, dialogue, and lasting peace.

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WOMEN IN CONFLICT ZONES

Responding to the disproportionate impacts of violence, displacement, and economic instability on women and girls, the Women in Conflict Zones (WICZ) initiative addresses their specific needs and vulnerabilities in fragile and conflict-affected environments. Reinforcing the State of Qatar's commitment to gender equality under SDG 5, we aim that no woman or girl is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development and peace.

Through targeted interventions across six core areas including crisis response, education, healthcare, economic opportunities, technology, and peacebuilding, WICZ empowers women and girls as agents of change and promotes their meaningful participation in peacebuilding and decision-making processes in conflict and post-conflict settings.

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QATAR SCHOLARSHIPS

The Qatar Scholarships (QS) program is committed to nurturing global talent and advancing human capital development by expanding equitable access to quality higher education. Designed to support students from developing countries, the program strengthens academic excellence and empowers graduates to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and positive change in their home countries.

To date, Qatar Scholarships has supported 996+ students from 90+ nationalities across 50+ academic programs, reflecting its role in empowering a new generation of leaders committed to inclusive growth, innovation, and shared prosperity.

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Top 10 Recipient Countries

In USD Million

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Disbursements by Sector
January to December - 2024
Total Disbursed
$ 321,496,726

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Signed Agreements

January to December - 2024

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Disbursements by Region & Country

January to December - 2024

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Total Disbursed

$ 333,203,828

MENA
$ 126,006,887
ASIA
$ 37,617,230
SUB - SAHARAN AFRICA
$ 27,664,555
EUROPE
$ 5,307,974
AMERICA & OCEANIA
$ 6,735,134
ORGANIZATIONS
$ 129,872,048

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