KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban’s Ministry of Finance has announced that the World Bank has reopened its office in Kabul and is ready to resume payments on its outstanding debts to Afghan companies.
In a statement released on Monday, the ministry said the World Bank owes $50 million to Afghan logistics and construction firms. The debt, based on verified figures, is expected to be cleared in four phases in coordination with the ministry.
According to the ministry, the first phase begins today, May 19, with $10.8 million to be paid directly by the World Bank to companies. The remaining $39.11 million will be disbursed in three additional phases by the Ministry of Finance.
The ministry described the development as a “major financial breakthrough,” saying it will help restart stalled development projects and create new employment opportunities.
The World Bank has not commented publicly on the reported reopening of its Kabul office.
After the fall of the Western-backed Afghan republic, many international organizations were unable to fulfill contract payments to Afghan companies, leaving significant debts.
Since the Taliban’s takeover, the World Bank has allocated over $1.7 billion in aid to the people of Afghanistan, with a primary focus on supporting women and girls.
The World Bank stressed that all funding has been distributed independently of Taliban authorities, with a focus on providing services to women and girls.
It also confirmed that its board of directors had approved the restart of the CASA-1000 energy project within Afghanistan, noting that the project’s financing mechanisms will remain outside Taliban control.
