Lebanon’s finance minister met with a World Bank delegation Tuesday to review progress on energy sector reforms and funding for electricity projects.
The talks focused on the $250 million World Bank energy loan, which has begun disbursement but is insufficient to cover the scale of needed infrastructure rehabilitation.
Minister Jaber said Lebanon cannot rebuild power plants with public financing alone and must strengthen partnerships with the private sector under clear and stable frameworks.
He stressed that such partnerships require guarantees to encourage private investment and reduce risks, asking what role the World Bank could play in providing support tools.
Jaber also highlighted two conditions for success: publishing audited accounts of Electricité du Liban to ensure transparency, and fully empowering the electricity regulatory authority to exercise its legal and oversight powers.
The minister said the government is working to meet these requirements to restore confidence, attract financing and sustain energy reform.
He added that coordination with the World Bank will continue to explore additional funding sources and complementary support mechanisms to accelerate reforms and improve public services.