The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved $27mn for the National Community Initiatives Project (NCIP) in Kyrgyzstan. The project seeks to enhance infrastructure access and boost economic opportunities, with a particular emphasis on women and youth.
“The NCIP builds on over a decade of community-driven development efforts by the Kyrgyz Government,” said Hugh Riddell, World Bank’s Country Manager for the Kyrgyz Republic. “This initiative will scale up and standardize these efforts, strengthening local governments’ capacity to work with communities on development priorities.”
The project, running until 2029, will be managed by the Community Development and Investment Agency (ARIS) under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. The project will enhance collaboration between local authorities and residents, enabling joint development planning to address local challenges.
Key features of the project include village infrastructure investments, with rural populations in 40 Aiyl Aimaks receiving up to $450,000 each. Investments may include schools, health facilities, water systems, and climate-adaptive measures such as renewable energy sources and disaster preparedness.
Additionally, fifteen sub-districts will receive grants of $200,000 to $300,000 for local economic projects. These grants will support sectors like agriculture, handicrafts, eco-tourism, and green enterprises, aiming to create jobs for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
The project will also fund training for local governments and communities in needs assessment, investment management, climate change, and economic development. It will involve women and youth in local planning, address their priorities in infrastructure and livelihoods, and provide training to enhance women’s leadership and entrepreneurship.
Climate factors will be incorporated into community engagement, planning, and the selection of investments. The NCIP is supported by the International Development Association (IDA) with a $25mn zero-interest credit and a $2mn grant from the Early Learning Partnership (ELP). The World Bank’s program in the Kyrgyz Republic features 24 projects with total commitments of approximately $1.2bn.
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