OPEC Fund Initiates $1.5 Billion E-STAR Program to Bolster Economic Stability

On April 29, 2026, the OPEC Fund for International Development announced the launch of the Economic Stability, Trade and Resilience Initiative (E-STAR). This $1.5 billion initiative aims to assist countries in managing economic pressures stemming from disruptions in energy, commodity, and trade markets.

Running from 2026 to 2028, E-STAR intends to deliver prompt support in crucial areas. It will help maintain essential services, secure vital imports, and protect developmental achievements, all while bolstering resilience against future setbacks.

OPEC Fund President Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa emphasized E-STAR's role in providing practical support to partner countries facing high costs and strained trade flows. The initiative prioritizes counter-cyclical financial support, trade finance to secure key goods, and investments in infrastructure to strengthen supply chains.

The initiative addresses pressures exacerbated by recent developments in the Middle East, impacting inflation and import costs for developing economies.