# OPEC Fund development financing in Central Asia and Caucasus

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/opec-fund-development-financing-in-central-asia-and-caucasus
> Updated: 2026-09-16T05:53:02.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

The OPEC Fund for International Development has issued several financing agreements to support infrastructure and economic development in Tajikistan and Azerbaijan.

In Tajikistan, the Fund signed a $30 million loan for the first phase of a road rehabilitation project targeting the Rushan–Varshez corridor. This project is part of the Dushanbe–Kulma–China Border highway and aims to improve transport links and market access in the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region. This agreement aligns with the Fund’s 2026–2028 Country Partnership Framework for Tajikistan.

In Azerbaijan, the Fund approved $60 million in financing. This includes a $40 million loan for the Caspian Sea Water Desalination Project in Sumgayit and a $20 million loan to a local financial institution to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, with an emphasis on women-owned businesses.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-16: SOCAR acquires 10% stake in Côte d'Ivoire's Baleine project

Eni has completed the sale of a 10% stake in Côte d'Ivoire’s Baleine offshore project to SOCAR, marking the Azerbaijani company's first upstream venture in Africa.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/opec-fund-approves-60m-for-azerbaijan-projects

### 2026-09-01: OPEC Fund provides $30 million loan to Tajikistan for China road link

The OPEC Fund is providing a $30 million loan to Tajikistan to rehabilitate the Rushan–Varshez road corridor, enhancing transport links and trade connectivity with China.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/opec-fund-provides-30-million-loan-to-tajikistan-for-china-road-link

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Cite as: OPEC Fund development financing in Central Asia and Caucasus. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/opec-fund-development-financing-in-central-asia-and-caucasus