# Syria's post‑conflict economic recovery

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/syrias-postconflict-economic-recovery
> Updated: 2026-08-07T23:10:00.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026, an International Monetary Fund delegation visited Damascus, reviewing reforms and noting improvements in agriculture, hydrocarbons, electricity, trade, and services. The IMF forecasted double-digit growth for 2026 and strong growth in 2027, while urging continued fiscal discipline, banking reforms, and anti-money-laundering measures. The mission highlighted rising consumer and investor confidence following the 2025 regime change and the return of approximately 1.5 million refugees.

On 7 August 2026, the World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a $100 million grant through the International Development Association to fund the Syria Financial Sector Modernisation Project. The initiative seeks to establish a modern, secure, and digitally enabled financial sector by upgrading infrastructure and strengthening regulatory oversight. Key investments will target cybersecurity, IT, and core banking systems for the Central Bank of Syria and the Financial Intelligence Unit.

The project aims to facilitate at least 15 million electronic retail payments annually and support 500,000 individuals and businesses, including 150,000 women. Finance Minister Mohamed Yosr Barnieh noted that these grants do not impose burdens on the national treasury, adding that total World Bank grants to Syria are projected to reach approximately $1 billion over the next three years. Central Bank Governor Mohamed Safwat Raslan described the approval as a milestone for aligning Syrian financial infrastructure with international standards and reintegrating the country into the global financial system.

## Claims

- The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a $100 million grant for Syria via the International Development Association (IDA). (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The grant will fund the Syria Financial Sector Modernisation Project. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The project aims to enable at least 15 million electronic retail payments annually. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The project targets supporting at least 500,000 people and businesses in using digital payments, including 150,000 women. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The project will fund investments in cybersecurity, IT, and the central banking system of the Central Bank of Syria. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The grant is an essential step toward re-integrating Syria into the global financial system. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The World Bank grants are entirely free and impose no financial burden on the Syrian public treasury. (single source)
- Total World Bank grants to Syria are expected to reach approximately $1 billion over three years. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-07: World Bank approves $100 million grant to modernize Syria's financial sector

The World Bank has approved a $100 million grant to modernize Syria's financial sector, focusing on digital payments, cybersecurity, and banking infrastructure to improve economic access and transparency.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-bank-grants-100-million-to-syria-for-financial-sector-modernization

### 2026-08-04: IMF Mission Projects Double‑Digit Growth for Syria’s Economy

The IMF team led by Ron van Rooden visited Damascus, forecasting double‑digit growth for Syria in 2026 and strong growth in 2027, while urging fiscal, banking and anti‑money‑laundering reforms.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imf-mission-projects-doubledigit-growth-for-syrias-economy

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Cite as: Syria's post‑conflict economic recovery. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/syrias-postconflict-economic-recovery