Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar has announced a comprehensive development and humanitarian support package for Lebanon valued at over $434 million. The initiative, delivered through the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), is designed to support more than 1.5 million people and targets the nation’s most strained sectors: energy, security, and human capital, amidst ongoing economic and social challenges.
A Strategic Push to End Energy Poverty
The centerpiece of the support package is a $400 million allocation aimed at addressing Lebanon’s chronic power shortages, which have severely impacted households and businesses. QFFD has specified that 10 percent of this amount will be provided as a direct grant, with the remainder dedicated to stabilizing and modernizing the country’s crumbling energy infrastructure. This intervention is a strategic effort to tackle “energy poverty” and remove a core constraint on Lebanon’s economic recovery by focusing on power generation and reliability.
Reinforcing National Stability and Security
Beyond infrastructure, the Qatari package strengthens a key pillar of Lebanon’s stability through continued support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). This includes the provision of military vehicles and advanced equipment to enhance operational capacity. The aid builds upon Qatar’s longstanding role in supporting the LAF through previous funding for salaries, fuel supplies, and food assistance.
Investing in Lebanon’s Future Generations
Qatar’s support also extends to long-term development through significant investments in education and sports. The package allocates funding for scholarships for Lebanese students and programs for youth development. This aims to preserve Lebanon’s valuable human capital and provide opportunities for the next generation to thrive despite the country’s economic crisis.
A Legacy of Enduring Support
Officials described the initiative as part of Qatar’s enduring commitment to Lebanon, citing a history of support that includes mediating the 2008 Doha Agreement and being among the first responders after the 2006 war and the 2020 Beirut Port explosion.
Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said the pledge “reflects Qatar’s commitment to stand by the fraternal Lebanese people and support their resilience.”
About Qatar Fund for Development
The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) is a Qatari public development institution committed, on behalf of the State of Qatar, to implement external aid projects. It was established in 2012 and focuses on providing financial tools to developing countries around the world to achieve inclusive and sustainable development goals.
Source: MEA TechWatch
