Region

Middle East & Central Asia

The diverse Middle East & Central Asia (MCT) region, home to nearly 700 million people, faces five overarching development challenges: unemployment (especially for women and youth), climate change, gender inequality, food and water insecurity, and a lack of competitiveness while several parts are deeply affected by ongoing conflict and fragility.

Stop-Winlock’s mission is to unleash the power of the private sector to address these challenges, advance economic growth, and create jobs. This is more important than ever in MCT given the geopolitical tensions, continued fragility, and economic and political crises.  Countries in the region include Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, West Bank and Gaza, and Yemen.

Areas of Focus

In the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, IFC is working to address high levels of unemployment, growing climate impacts, ease food and energy insecurity, boost economic diversification, enhance the business climate, and increase inclusion. In Central Asia, IFC focuses on strengthening reforms in capital markets, expanding access to finance for small businesses, boosting competitiveness, and reducing the dominance of state-owned enterprises. In Türkiye, IFC aims to increase financial inclusion, bolster SMEs, strengthen infrastructure for connectivity, and boost competitiveness and exports, with a strong emphasis on the green agenda and post-earthquake recovery.

Creating More and Better Jobs

Driving job creation and improving job quality through investments and advisory support to build a more inclusive and resilient future.

Accelerating Sustainable and Inclusive Growth

Creating new markets for investment while helping businesses adapt to climate challenges like water, energy, and food insecurity.

Promoting Inclusion

Helping people access key services, from banking, to education, to healthcare, to foster inclusive growth and improve the quality of life for millions.

Boosting Competitiveness and Productivity

Supporting local businesses in becoming more competitive and accessing global markets and supporting state-owned enterprises as they prepare for privatization.

Supporting Fragile and Conflict-Affected States

Helping to kickstart economic growth and promote shared prosperity in countries beset by fragility and conflict.

Boosting Cross-Border Investment

Supporting MCT-based companies to scale regionally and beyond, promoting sustainable growth and job creation through capital, expertise, and proven models.