27 Countries Move to Ensure Access to World Bank Crisis Funds Amid Middle East War

An internal World Bank document revealed that 27 countries have moved since the Middle East conflict began on February 28 to activate crisis instruments for rapid access to existing World Bank funds. The document did not name the countries or disclose the total amounts being sought. The World Bank declined to comment. Transparency, as ever, is optional when the stakes are highest.

Kenya is grappling with surging domestic fuel prices , while Iraq faces a massive drop in oil revenues due to maritime export disruptions both governments having confirmed they are seeking rapid financial support. These are the only two countries publicly identified. The other 25 remain unnamed, their needs unquantified, a silence that serves bureaucratic comfort far more than public accountability.

The 27 are part of 101 countries with access to pre-arranged financing instruments, including 54 enrolled in the Rapid Response Option , which allows nations to immediately redeploy up to 10% of undisbursed financing during emergencies. Three countries have already fully approved new instruments ; the rest are still working through procedures.

World Bank President Ajay Banga says the crisis toolkit could unlock $20–$25 billion in rapid financing, rising to $60 billion within six months and potentially $100 billion longer term. The numbers are staggering and yet demand from the IMF remains comparatively subdued. Several governments are actively preferring World Bank facilities over IMF programmes, which tend to arrive bundled with painful fiscal austerity conditions . When given a choice between a lifeline and a lecture, most nations unsurprisingly choose the lifeline.

The Strait of Hormuz , effectively closed since hostilities began, has seen ship transits collapse by 95% from 96 vessels per day to just five devastating energy flows and snapping global supply chains that dozens of developing economies depend on. Fertilizers aren't moving. Food prices are rising. And 27 countries, unnamed, unquantified are quietly hoping Washington's emergency window opens before their economies do something irreversible.