[20/02/2025 04:23]

AMMAN - SABA
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Dr. Waed Badhib and Minister of Electricity and Energy Eng. Manea bin Yameen discussed Thursday here with the World Bank's Director in Yemen Dina Abu Ghaida aspects of international support for solar energy projects and the Central Organization for Statistics.

The meeting, attended by a delegation from the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation addressed several vital issues, including intensifying World Bank field missions to Yemen, the importance of continued technical and financial support, developing the private sector in various sectors and enhancing coordination mechanisms with donors to ensure the integration of efforts and maximize the benefits from available resources.

The discussion also included the first phase plans of the solar energy project "Shams," with a total capacity of 25 megawatts, distributed as 10 megawatts in al-Mahrah, 10 megawatts in Abyan and 5 megawatts in Dhale'a Governorate.

The second phase of the project will see an increase in total capacity to 98 megawatts to include the remaining governorates.

During the meeting, future portfolio plans of the World Bank in Yemen were reviewed, emphasizing the importance of continued U.S. support for this portfolio due to its pivotal role in financing vital developmental projects.

The discussion also included ways to enhance the capabilities of the Central Statistical Organization in collecting and analyzing economic data, particularly regarding household budget surveys and other important statistical surveys, as well as implementing a comprehensive capacity-building program in the organization and updating data collection and analysis methodologies.

Minister of Planning affirmed the government's commitment to implementing the solar energy project due to its strategic importance in enhancing energy security, diversifying its sources, and alleviating economic burdens on citizens.

He stressed the importance of continuing constructive cooperation with the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, and the need to expedite the implementation of agreed-upon projects, moving from the study and planning phase to actual implementation on the ground.

For his part, the Minister of Electricity emphasized the importance of completing the main energy plan for Aden (Aden Energy Master Plan), noting that the ministry is finalizing the plan and forming the necessary executive units to implement it efficiently and effectively.

Meanwhile, the World Bank's Director in Yemen reaffirmed the bank's commitment to continuing support for development efforts in Yemen and the importance of projects that enhance economic and social resilience and pave the way for sustainable recovery.

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