World Bank estimates rebuilding Syria will cost $216 billion

Saturday 25 October 2025 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

World Bank estimates rebuilding Syria will cost $216 billion

The World Bank has released a report estimating that the cost to rebuild Syria is approximately $216 billion. This figure comes in the wake of over 13 years of turmoil, including a civil war, the emergence of the Islamic State, and an ongoing refugee crisis, all of which have severely damaged the nation’s infrastructure.

The report places the overall cost of reconstruction between $140 billion and $345 billion, with $216 billion being the most realistic conservative estimate. Essential rebuilding efforts will focus on residential structures, hospitals, and schools, alongside the restoration of critical services such as water management and the electrical grid, which were devastated during the conflict.

Specifically, the World Bank estimates that the cost to restore infrastructure will be around $82 billion, while residential buildings will require approximately $75 billion. Additionally, non-residential buildings are projected to need an extra $59 billion.

The civil war, which erupted shortly after the Arab Spring in 2011, has led to a dramatic economic decline, shrinking Syria's GDP by 53% since 2010. However, recent developments have provided a glimmer of hope. In May 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump lifted many sanctions on Syria, although some restrictions remain on entities linked to the Assad family. This partial lifting of sanctions by the U.S. and the European Union has contributed to a sense of economic recovery, reflected in the relative stability of the Syrian lira in recent months.

Furthermore, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa unveiled plans in late August to revalue the Syrian currency as part of efforts to stabilize the nation.

The Syrian civil war was preceded by mass protests during the Arab Spring, leading to a violent crackdown by former President Bashar al-Assad, which created a power vacuum and intensified armed conflict rooted in ethnic and sectarian divisions.

Since the onset of the civil war, approximately 6.7 million people have fled the country, while 7.4 million remain internally displaced, with over 500,000 lives lost.

Despite ongoing sectarian violence following Assad's downfall, there is still hope for economic and political advancements that could foster a Syria committed to protecting and dignifying all its citizens.