The World Bank has granted Uzbekistan a support package worth $105 million to implement its “Transforming Public Education for Economic Growth” program. This financial aid comprises a $100 million concessional credit from the International Development Association and a $5 million grant from the International Finance Facility for Education. Uzbekistan is projected to have over 7.6 million students enrolled in schools by 2026, necessitating the construction of about 300 new schools annually due to rapid population growth.
Najy Benhassine, the World Bank country director for Central Asia, emphasized the importance of enhancing foundational skills in primary schools to bolster Uzbekistan’s human capital base and drive its long-term socio-economic progress. The program, set to continue until 2030, aims to offer professional development to around 50,000 teachers and school administrators, establish 27,000 additional primary school seats across six regions, and benefit approximately 2 million students in grades 1 to 4.
In a separate initiative, the World Bank has sanctioned a $700 million loan to support Jordan in enhancing private sector investment and job creation. This loan, part of the Jordan Growth and Competitiveness Development Policy Financing program’s second phase, seeks to stimulate private investment, enhance financial accessibility, generate employment opportunities, and expedite Jordan’s green and digital transition. Despite facing a challenging regional environment, Jordan has maintained macroeconomic stability, with a 2.8% real GDP growth in 2025. The kingdom also retained a stable outlook following its first sovereign credit rating upgrade in over two decades in 2024.
