Minka Middle East Initiative

The wars in Syria and Iraq have driven more than 15 million people to flee their homes and have caused the largest population displacement in the Middle East since World War II. The top host countries for these refugees are the neighboring countries, especially Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan, which are confronted with the need to both extend essential public services and to preserve social cohesion between refugees and their own populations. Iraq has also suffered considerable destruction from the fighting and bombing.

To respond to these challenges, AFD launched the Minka Middle East Initiative in 2017. Its objective is to provide multiannual support to Syria’s neighbors. This regional program seeks to finance development projects that mitigate the vulnerabilities generated by population displacements and strengthen the resilience of the host countries.