Finance Minister Yassine Jaber announced on Tuesday that Lebanon is in advanced talks with the World Bank for a $150 million loan aimed at modernizing the country’s public administration. The loan would fund a comprehensive digital transformation across ministries and state institutions, improving service delivery, increasing transparency and curbing corruption.
“This is a structural reform that touches the daily lives of citizens and helps restore trust in the state,” Jaber said. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to improve infrastructure and attract investment.
The announcement coincides with increasing engagement between Lebanon and international institutions. Jaber recently held meetings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the latter expressing interest in financing developmental projects in Lebanon.
In parallel, Lebanon’s Economic Bodies met with World Bank officials – Mona Haddad, the Director of Trade, Investment and Competitiveness and Jean-Christophe Carret, the Regional Director for the Middle East – at the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Chamber of Commerce.
Discussions focused on boosting private sector competitiveness and supporting economic recovery. Nicolas Chammas, the Secretary-General of the Economic Bodies, stressed Lebanon’s need to rebuild infrastructure, enhance services and strengthen social protection systems. He also urged the World Bank to prioritize Lebanese firms in future regional projects, particularly those related to Syria’s reconstruction.
The World Bank officials noted that job creation is a top priority under its new leadership. They announced that, beginning July 1, a permanent World Bank Group representative will be stationed in Beirut to facilitate closer cooperation.
A meeting is also scheduled next week between World Bank officials and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to review the Bank’s policy paper for Lebanon, which outlines essential reforms across various sectors, not just banking.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular coordination to follow up on existing and upcoming projects, signaling stronger international support for Lebanon’s reform agenda.
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