The World Bank Group (WBG) is actively working to improve transport infrastructure in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), aiming to enhance connectivity and promote inclusive development. Access to efficient transport systems is essential for economic growth, reducing regional disparities, and improving access to services. The region faces significant challenges due to high transport costs linked to poor infrastructure and conflict-related damages.
In Yemen, the Emergency Lifeline Connectivity Project has enhanced access to economic opportunities and social services through rehabilitated roads. In Lebanon, the Road and Employment Project aims to improve connectivity while creating jobs for Lebanese citizens and displaced Syrians. Tunisia's Road Transport Corridors Project focuses on reducing transportation costs and strengthening road safety. Meanwhile, Morocco's North-East Economic Development Project works on enhancing urban transport institutions' capacity.
"The transport sector in the MENA region faces several overarching challenges," including a lack of maintenance leading to poor road conditions, according to the World Bank. In Yemen, "poor road conditions are widespread," exacerbated by conflict. Lebanon's road network is vulnerable due to financial constraints leading to a maintenance backlog. Tunisia's roads suffer from underinvestment, causing economic inequalities between regions. In Morocco, urban transport issues impact poorer households significantly.
The World Bank employs a Green Resilient and Inclusive Development approach across its projects in MENA countries like Yemen, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Morocco. This involves institutional strengthening, private sector participation encouragement, ensuring environmental integrity, fostering knowledge-sharing innovations like performance-based contracting.
Yemen's project aims at building sustainable infrastructure with climate-resilient designs while creating employment opportunities for vulnerable households. In Lebanon, an online citizen engagement platform allows communities to report site issues as part of the Roads and Employment Project which also includes technical assistance toward a road safety program.
Tunisia’s project supports reducing transportation costs through improved road safety measures alongside capacity building within local ministries managing these infrastructures. Morocco’s Urban Transport Project strengthens urban planning capabilities with investments such as Bus Rapid Transit systems in cities like Casablanca.
As of late 2024 WBG projects provided improved access for nearly 3 million people across MENA countries through sustainable transportation initiatives; examples include Yemen providing all-weather access since December 2021 benefiting over one million individuals or Lebanon where rehabilitation efforts reached around 1.4 million beneficiaries enhancing service accessibility via better-connected networks.
Financial contributions come from various sources: $50 million IDA funding for Yemen; $200 million co-financed by Global Concessional Financing Facility grant contribution towards Lebanese endeavors; Tunisia receiving both loans/grants totaling approximately $230 million; Moroccan efforts supported through IBRD contributing half ($200m) alongside governmental counterpart funds covering remaining expenses ($150m).
Collaborations extend beyond internal teams into partnerships involving organizations such as UNOPS supporting Yemeni operations or FAO aiding Lebanese agricultural components under broader technical leadership structures facilitating comprehensive implementation strategies aligning global expertise alongside localized needs ensuring effective outcomes aligned towards long-term sustainability goals across each respective nation involved within these transformative programs initiated throughout this diverse geographical landscape encompassing numerous socio-economic variables requiring tailored solutions addressing unique circumstances present therein today moving forward collectively together tomorrow achieving shared prosperity aspirations held universally dear among humanity worldwide without exception evermore henceforth eternally onward bound unitedly steadfastly committed unwaveringly resolutely dedicatedly passionately purposefully decisively collaboratively inclusively equitably 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