Private sector companies will for the first time join governments in contributing to the International Development Association, the World Bank’s main fund for poor countries, the bank’s president, Robert Zoellick, has told the Financial Times.

Mr Zoellick said a “couple of private sector companies” had offered to pledge funds to help replenish the IDA. The agreement is subject to approval by the bank’s board. The World Bank was unable to release the names of the companies.