WASHINGTON, Jan 27 (KUNA) -- The World Bank approved on Tuesday a USD 350 million financing package to support Lebanon's poor and vulnerable during its economic recovery and to strengthen public services through digital transformation.
In a press statement, the Bank said the funding will support two new projects to expand social protection, boost economic inclusion for women, youth and vulnerable groups, and speed up the digitalization of key public services.
World Bank Division Director of the Middle East Department Jean-Christophe Carret said the financing aims to support Lebanon's fragile recovery by advancing social protection, economic inclusion, and digital transformation.
Carret added that the efforts aim to boost economic recovery, create jobs, and improve the delivery of public services across Lebanon.
The statement explained that the USD 200 million Social Safety Net Enhancement and System Building Project would aim to strengthen Lebanon's social protection system and support government-funded cash transfers.
The project will provide cash transfers to poor households while expanding access to economic opportunities and social services, especially for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
It will also strengthen social safety net systems by upgrading the DAEM platform into a comprehensive social registry to support multiple government programs, he added.
The project builds on Lebanon's ongoing social protection reforms, aiming to boost government funding, regularly update beneficiary data, and strengthen systems for better shock preparedness.
Meanwhile, the USD 150 million Lebanon Digital Acceleration Project aims to improve citizen access to services, support businesses with secure digital tools, and enhance government efficiency through upgraded digital platforms.
The Project activities include the provision of secure and efficient infrastructure for hosting government data and investments in Lebanon's overall cybersecurity.
It will also build legal, institutional, and human capacity to ensure a trusted, inclusive digital transformation and support effective use of digital infrastructure and platforms.
Finally, the project will pilot the digitalization of select public services with high potential to improve government transparency and efficiency, citizen benefits, and climate resilience. (end) amm.ao