World Bank Raises IDA Grant Allocations for Syria Following Positive Fiscal Reform Assessment

World Bank Completes Positive Performance Review

Syria's Finance Minister Mohammad Yasser Barnieh announced that the World Bank has completed its formal review of Syria's Performance and Policy Actions (PPAs) for fiscal year 2026, concluding that the agreed-upon measures have been implemented satisfactorily. The review was conducted under the Sustainable Development Finance Policy framework of the International Development Association (IDA).

Key Reform Areas Assessed

According to Barnieh, the international review placed particular emphasis on two core areas: public debt sustainability and debt management, and fiscal transparency. He noted that the results reflect sustained government efforts to strengthen public financial management and implement reform packages aimed at supporting fiscal sustainability and consolidating the foundations of economic recovery.

Impact on Grant Allocations

As a direct result of this assessment, Syria will receive the incentive allocation designated for fiscal year 2027 under the Sustainable Development Finance Policy framework. This will translate into an increase in the IDA grant allocations available to Syria for the coming fiscal year.

Ongoing World Bank Financing Projects

In a related development, the Finance Minister had previously announced in April that the World Bank approved financing for two additional projects in Syria, as part of a broader pipeline of eleven projects. The two newly approved projects represent the third and fourth in the agreed package, which already includes:

• An electricity transmission network reform project valued at USD 146 million
• A government financial management strengthening project valued at USD 20 million

Acknowledgment of Partners

Barnieh concluded his announcement by expressing appreciation to national institutions and international partners whose cooperation contributed to this achievement, stating that these steps reflect accelerating indicators of Syria's integration into international development pathways.