World Bank Grants Syria $146 Million to Restore Electricity & Boost Economic Recovery

The World Bank has approved a $146 million grant to Syria to help restore reliable and affordable electricity supply and support the country’s economic recovery. The funding, provided by the International Development Association (IDA), will finance emergency repairs to Syria’s severely damaged power infrastructure.

Key Focus of the Project:

• Rehabilitating high-voltage transmission lines (including two critical 400 kV lines)
• Repairing damaged substations in high-need areas
• Restoring regional electricity links with Jordan and Turkey
• Providing technical assistance and spare parts for maintenance

Syria’s Electricity Crisis:

Years of conflict have left Syria’s power grid in ruins, with most areas receiving only 2-4 hours of electricity per day. The collapse of infrastructure has severely impacted water supply, healthcare, agriculture, and housing, worsening living conditions for millions.

A Landmark Grant, Not a Loan

Syrian Finance Minister Yusuf Burneia confirmed that this is a non-repayable grant, thanking the World Bank and supporting nations (including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which cleared Syria’s $15.5 million arrears in May 2025).

Why This Matters:

First World Bank project in Syria in 40 years

Critical for economic recovery, job creation, and refugee reintegration

A step toward long-term stability and development

The World Bank’s IDA supports the world’s poorest nations with zero-to-low-interest loans and grants to foster economic growth, resilience, and poverty reduction.

Moumin Sawady