[16/10/2025 12:51]

WASHINGTON– SABA
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Waed Badhib, held a series of high-level meetings with World Bank officials to discuss ways to strengthen partnerships and expand development investments in Yemen.

Dr. Badhib met with World Bank Vice President for Middle East and North Africa, Ousmane Dione, to discuss aligning the new Country Partnership Framework with Yemen's priorities and exploring flexible operating models that enable direct government implementation.

The Minister emphasized that the World Bank's $2 billion portfolio in Yemen focuses exclusively on development

interventions, supporting basic services, infrastructure, institutional reforms, and capacity building – not humanitarian aid. He highlighted the crucial role this support has played in preventing the collapse of vital institutions amidst exceptional challenges.

Dr. Badhib stressed that job creation is a top national priority and urged the World Bank to enhance coordination with the International Finance Corporation and MIGA to support the private sector, improve the investment environment, and provide innovative financing tools and guarantees to reduce risks.

The Minister also requested support for reforming state-owned enterprises to transform them into financially sustainable institutions.

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