The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has announced a new $10 billion support facility aimed at helping member countries manage the economic risks linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The initiative, named the Energy, Food Security and Economic Resilience Facility, is designed to support governments, businesses, and financial institutions facing disruptions related to energy supplies, food access, and broader economic instability. The programme will operate over a two-year period and focus on strengthening resilience against external economic shocks.
According to AIIB President Zou Jiayi, the facility is intended to help countries address immediate challenges while maintaining long-term development goals. The bank said it remains committed to supporting infrastructure investment, sustainable growth, and green transition projects alongside emergency financing measures.
The facility will provide several forms of support, including rapid budget assistance, financing for essential imports, and liquidity support for economies affected by disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran. Additional funding may also be directed toward infrastructure companies, commercial banks, and financial institutions requiring short-term working capital or refinancing support.
The AIIB stated that the programme aims to help maintain business continuity and reduce the impact of economic uncertainty on member states. The bank also plans to coordinate with international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund and other multilateral development banks, to strengthen overall support efforts.
Founded by China in 2015, the AIIB focuses primarily on infrastructure financing across member countries and currently includes 111 regional and non-regional members, including several African nations. The institution has funded projects in sectors such as transport, renewable energy, urban development, and sustainable finance across multiple regions.
In Africa, the bank has supported transport infrastructure in Egypt, household solar energy programmes in Rwanda, and urban modernization initiatives in South Africa, reflecting its broader focus on infrastructure and development financing.
