• Mou Mou
• 23 Feb, 2025

Syria’s economy is struggling to recover after years of war with a new United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report stating that it could take 55 years for the country to return to its pre-conflict economic levels if current growth rates continue.

A Devastated Economy

The UNDP report reveals that Syria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has dropped to less than half of its 2011 value. Unemployment has soared with 1 in 4 Syrians currently jobless. The country has suffered an estimated 800 billion dollar in economic losses since the war began.

The health sector is in crisis with one-third of health centers damaged and nearly half of ambulance services out of operation. Education has also been severely affected with up to 50% of children aged 6 to 15 out of school.

Housing and public utilities have been destroyed leaving 5.7 million people in need of shelter. Additionally more than half of the country’s water and sewer systems are damaged affecting 14 million Syrians. Energy production has plunged by 80%, causing widespread power shortages.

A Long Road to Recovery

According to the UNDP Syria’s current economic growth rate is just 1.3% per year. At this pace it would take until 2080 for the economy to regain its pre-war strength. The report suggests that for Syria to recover in 15 years it would need to boost its growth rate to at least 5% annually.

UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner emphasised the importance of long-term investment in rebuilding infrastructure, supporting agriculture for food security and creating jobs to reduce poverty.

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The Path Forward

The report calls for a clear national vision, economic reforms and better access to markets. Abdallah Al-Dardari, UNDP Assistant Administrator, stressed that recovery depends on strengthening governance, stabilising the economy and improving social services.

The UNDP’s plan aims to reduce Syria’s reliance on foreign aid and create a resilient self-sufficient economy.

Syria’s path to recovery remains challenging with decades of war leaving deep economic scars. The UNDP's findings highlight the urgent need for faster growth, infrastructure rebuilding and sustainable development strategies.