Breaking: 27 Countries Seek World Bank Aid Amid Middle East Conflict

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - 27 countries have activated crisis instruments to secure funding from the World Bank since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, according to World Bank documents obtained by Reuters. However, the documents do not specify the countries involved or the total potential funding amount, and the World Bank declined to comment when contacted. The documents indicate that three countries have approved new instruments since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, with others still finalising the process. The war and its disruptions to global energy markets have battered global supply chains and prevented vital fertiliser shipments from reaching developing countries. Kenyan and Iraqi officials have confirmed they are seeking rapid financial support from the World Bank to address war-related impacts, including fuel price hikes affecting the African nation and significant oil revenue declines for Iraq. According to Reuters on Monday, May 25, 2026, the 27 countries are among 101 nations with access to pre-arranged financing instruments for crises, including 54 that have signed the Rapid Response Option, allowing them to access up to 10% of their undisbursed funding. World Bank President Ajay Banga stated last month that the bank’s crisis tools would enable countries to access pre-arranged contingency financing, existing project balances, and rapid-disbursement instruments for up to $20 billion to $25 billion. He added that the World Bank could realign part of its portfolio to increase total available funds to $60 billion within six months, with further long-term adjustments potentially raising the total to around $100 billion. At the time, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva estimated that up to a dozen countries would request short-term assistance of $20 billion to $50 billion from global lenders. However, three sources familiar with the matter said few requests had been recorded. ‘Countries are clearly in “wait-and-see” mode,’ said one source, speaking on condition of anonymity.