The World Bank’s New Approach to Energy and Development in Yemen

The Middle East Council on Global Affairs hosted Dr. Ali Ahmad, Senior Energy Specialist and Energy Lead for the GCC and Yemen at the World Bank, for a roundtable on “The World Bank’s new approach to energy and development in Yemen.” Dr. Ahmad shared his insights on the projects of the World Bank in Yemen in the electricity and energy sector. He outlined the urban and rural projects aimed at increasing electricity access and building capacity while highlighting the challenges and limitations to the success of these projects. The immediate goals were outlined as the expansion of the World Bank’s current projects in the rural areas, from emergency response to development focus, and an increase in private sector investment in the country’s energy sector. GCC countries, in particular, are encouraged to share their knowledge and financial support in this area.