Lebanon Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030
May 9, 2025
Transparency International - Lebanon
Transparency International - Lebanon

Digital Transformation & Acceleration Sector Reform Tracker[1]

Reform Area: Digital Transformation & Acceleration
Last Updated: November 2025

Citizen Impact Summary

Dimension

Snapshot

Source

Who Is Affected?

Digital reform affects all Lebanese citizens, residents, and the diaspora, as well as the private sector. At the 3 June 2025 “Smart Government, Diaspora Experts for Lebanon” conference, President Joseph Aoun stated: “Digital transformation is not a technical choice; it is a national project.” Lebanon has applied to join the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) but is not yet a member.

Arab News

Financial Burden?

The Digital Transformation Strategy (2020‑2030) includes ~80 projects with US$60–100 million provisionally allocated by the World Bank for the DTS (2020–2030) plus USD 150M World Bank loan under the Lebanon Digital Acceleration Project. Funds are allocated but not fully disbursed. Investment gaps remain due to weak infrastructure, political gridlock, and a cash‑based economy.

Legal Agenda, ITA (U.S. Dept. of Commerce)

Public Services?

Key projects: 1) National Digital ID, in design phase, implementation not started; 2) Dawlati e‑government portal, information services only, with planned authentication, e‑billing, e‑payment, and interoperability; 3) IMPACT platform, operational for social safety nets and COVID‑19 vaccination, but reliant on donor funding and affected by connectivity gaps; 4) Digital Acceleration Project adds cloud infrastructure, interoperability, cybersecurity, and e-signatures.

Arab News, Legal Agenda, IMPACT open data

Mental Health Toll?

Digital reform can reduce corruption and bureaucratic stress, but the digital divide, rural connectivity gaps, and cash-based economy burden vulnerable populations. Offline alternatives remain necessary for social assistance and health services.

Arab News, World Bank (vaccination platform)





Overview & Objectives

Goal

Implement the Digital Transformation Strategy (2020‑2030) and the Lebanon Digital Acceleration Project (USD 150M) to modernize governance, rebuild trust, reduce corruption, and ensure inclusive, interoperable digital services.

Strategic Importance

Success depends on whole-of-government reform, private sector partnerships, and inclusivity, addressing historic fragmentation, funding instability, and weak infrastructure.

Key Reform Priorities

1) Implement DTS 2020‑2030 and integrate the Digital Acceleration Project with private sector participation.

2) Establish National Digital ID and e‑signature framework.

3) Issue implementing decrees for Law 81/2018 on electronic transactions and data protection.

4) Enforce Access to Information Law (2017/2021) to improve transparency and accountability.

5) Create National Cybersecurity Agency and consolidate fragmented cyber governance.

6) Expand digital payments, e‑KYC, and P2P transactions to enable financial inclusion.

7) Embed inclusion and accessibility (gender, disability, rural access) in all services.




Reform Actions & Status

Specific Reform Actions & Accountability

Reform action required

Current status

Lead authority

Implementing body

Oversight/supporting actors

Primary source

Host National Tech, AI & Innovation Summit 2025

First national summit held 7 Nov 2025 under the Prime Minister and Minister of State for Technology & AI to coordinate digital initiatives and announce quick-win projects.

Ministry of State for Technology & AI

PCM / OMSAR / Private Sector

N/A

LBC, 7 Nov 2025

Digital Partnership between Ministry of Social Affairs and Technology & AI

Announced 27 Oct 2025 to digitize social assistance delivery and link IMPACT modules.

MoSA / Ministry of Technology & AI

MoSA technical team with OMSAR

PCM / World Bank / UNDP

NNA, 27 Oct 2025

Launch Ministry of Technology & AI

Cabinet approval confirmed in mid-September, but by late October Parliament had not completed passage; legislative work was repeatedly disrupted by disputes over other agenda items.

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

New ministry, once legislated

MoI, OMSAR, Parliament

L’Orient Le Jour, Sept. 2025

Implement MoF–IMF roadmap for tax administration

Roadmap launched 8–23 Sep 2025, sessions focus on IT modernization, legal framework review, and operational fixes, to culminate in a roadmap and MoU for execution.

Ministry of Finance

MoF tax administration units

IMF FAD mission, WB, EU, UNDP, France, private sector

ElNashra, 08-09-2025

Digital health transformation 2025–2030

Strategy launched with UNICEF and Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies. Priorities include Digital Health ID, e-signatures, interoperability, and BPR across 146 services, 12 prioritized.

MoPH

MoPH with OMSAR and partners

UNICEF; OMSAR; PMO

MoPH launch event, 2025

Cross-government acceleration workshops

Ongoing series led by the Minister of State for Technology & AI, strategic partner Roland Berger, focusing on trade and business digitization, smart licensing, SME enablement, and investment platforms, aligned with NDI.

Minister of State for Tech & AI

Line ministries with TA

Roland Berger; Ministry of Economy

NNA, 25-08-2025

Labor administration digital capacity

National workshop with Arab Labor Organization to digitize labor administration and upskill HR capacities.

Ministry of Labor

MoL units

Arab Labor Organization; ILO

NNA, 15-09-2025

Implement Digital Transformation Strategy (2020‑2030)

Government approved the strategy on 12 May 2022. The strategy outlines an 80‑project roadmap with US$60‑100 million in provisional World‑Bank financing. Implementation is ongoing; governance model involves strategic, build and operate levels; linked with USD 150M Digital Acceleration Project for unified, high-impact rollout

Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR)

Ministries, public institutions, technical teams

Prime Minister’s Office; World Bank and UNDP provide funding and technical assistance

Legal Agenda, UNDP

Develop Dawlati e‑government portal & interoperability platform

The strategy translated into a shared portal to provide authentication, e‑billing, e‑payment, interoperability and transaction tracking. OMSAR’s team has progressed, using the Commercial Register online registration pilot to build interoperability. Expansion under Digital Acceleration Project

OMSAR

OMSAR technical team; ministries of Justice, Finance, Labour, Social Security (for interoperability)

Prime Minister’s Office; World Bank

Legal Agenda

Issue implementing decrees for Law 81/2018 (Electronic transactions & personal data)

Law 81/2018 equates e‑signatures and e‑documents with paper documents but requires implementing decrees for electronic authentication certificates and accreditation of certification service providers. As of Aug 2025, key decrees (e.g., for official electronic documents, domain name registry and data retention) remain pending.

Ministry of State for Technology & Investment

Lebanese Accreditation Council (COLIBAC); Central Bank (for e‑payments)

Parliament; civil society advocates

Compliance Alert, Legal Agenda

Enforce Access to Information Law (2017) and Law 233/2021 amendments

The 2017 law obliges state bodies to publish documents and allows any individual to request information. Amendments in 2021 removed capacity requirements and extended coverage to religious courts. However, implementation remains weak; ministries score poorly on TI Lebanon’s index and challenges persist.

OMSAR; National Anti‑Corruption Commission (NACC)

All public institutions

Judiciary, civil society (monitoring compliance)

LCPS

Establish National Cybersecurity Agency & implement National Cybersecurity Strategy

The national cybersecurity strategy proposes eight pillars (defense, education, industry, cooperation, etc.) and calls for a National Agency for Cybersecurity and Information Systems. As of Aug 2025, the agency has not been created; cybersecurity governance remains fragmented. To be reinforced by Digital Acceleration Project cybersecurity pillar

Supreme Defense Council; Prime Minister’s Office

Proposed national agency (not yet established)

Security agencies; ICT ministry

Legal Agenda

Develop national digital ID system

The digital transformation strategy prioritizes a national digital ID and e‑signature capability. World Bank published Lebanon ID Diagnostic and Digital ID Use Cases reports in 2024 to inform implementation. Quick wins, such as using the barcode on existing ID cards, could be implemented at minimal cost. The system is under design; implementation has not yet commenced. Quick wins via barcode on current IDs proposed

OMSAR; Ministry of Interior

Government ID authority (to be determined)

World Bank (technical support), Digital Cooperation Organization

World Bank blog, Arab News

Expand IMPACT platform & digital health modules

IMPACT (Inter‑Ministerial and Municipal Platform for Assessment, Coordination & Tracking) is operational; it collects data nationwide and provides open data to monitor government activities. The platform’s COVID‑19 vaccination module launched in Feb 2021 and improved transparency and trust. It now supports social safety‑net programs and other modules. Sustainability and digital‑divide challenges remain. Offline access and social program integration planned

Central Inspection Bureau (CIB)

CIB & collaborating ministries (Public Health, Social Affairs)

World Bank (funding), donors

IMPACT, World Bank vaccination blog

Promote digital payments & e‑KYC

The Central Bank allowed E‑KYC onboarding in 2020 and issued a circular in 2023 permitting person‑to‑person transfers. More circulars are needed to fully adopt electronic signatures and transactions; infrastructure and trust barriers persist.

Central Bank of Lebanon (CBL)

Banks & financial institutions

CBL (oversight)

ITA

UNDP‑OMSAR partnership & digital readiness assessment

On 1 Aug 2022 UNDP partnered with OMSAR to support the digital transformation strategy. The partnership includes a digital landscape and e‑readiness assessment and aims to unlock new initiatives and ensure inclusive participation in digital reform.

OMSAR & UNDP

UNDP technical team

OMSAR; UN agencies

UNDP press release

Lebanon Digital Acceleration Project

USD 150M WB loan; preparation phase under GFPP; ESCP finalizing; focus on inclusivity, private sector, anticorruption, and interoperability

USD 150M WB loan; preparation phase under GFPP; ESCP finalizing; focus on inclusivity, private sector, anticorruption, and interoperability

OMSAR + WB

OMSAR + WB + Private Sector and CSOs

OMSAR

Apply to join the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)

On 3 Jun 2025, President Joseph Aoun announced that Lebanon had applied to join the Digital Cooperation Organization, which promotes inclusive digital economies. Membership has not yet been confirmed.

Government of Lebanon

Ministry for Technology & AI (assumed)

DCO

Arab News

 

Reform Roadmap Timeline & Critical Path

Recent Milestone

Recent milestone

Date

What happened

Status on critical path

Source

MoSA–Technology partnership announced

27 Oct 2025

Inter-ministerial agreement to digitize social services and link to IMPACT platform.

Expands digital public infrastructure to social protection sector.

NNA, 27 Oct 2025

National Tech, AI & Innovation Summit

7 Nov 2025

National conference under PM and Minister of Tech & AI to coordinate digital reform.

Enables quick-wins and delivery KPI publication.

L’Orient Le Jour, Sept. 2025

Cabinet approval to create Ministry of Technology & AI

09 Sep 2025

Draft law approved by Cabinet, sent to Parliament.

Enables central governance of DT and AI if enacted.

Annahar, 09-09-2025

MoF–IMF tax digital roadmap launch

08 Sep 2025

Two-week technical program to present roadmap and MoU.

Kicks off revenue-side DPI and legal upgrades.

ElNashra, 08-09-2025

Digital Health Strategy launch

Sep 2025

Health sector 2025–2030 strategy launched with UNICEF; 12 priority services, Digital Health ID.

Sectoral anchor for health DPI and interoperability.

MoPH launch event, 2025

DT workshops with Roland Berger

Aug 2025

Government-wide capability mapping and quick-wins pipeline.

Feeds NDI, service redesign, SME enablement.

NNA, 25-08-2025

Law 81/2018 enacted

10 Oct 2018

Parliament passed the Electronic Transactions and Personal Data Law (Law 81/2018), recognising e‑signatures and e‑documents.

Legal framework exists but implementing decrees pending.

Compliance Alert

Right of Access to Information Law enacted

10 Feb 2017; amended 2021

Law 28/2017 obliges state bodies to publish documents and respond to information requests. Law 233/2021 removed restrictions on requesters and extended coverage.

Implementation uneven; ministries score poorly; further enforcement needed.

LCPS

Launch of IMPACT COVID‑19 vaccination platform

14 Feb 2021

Government launched the IMPACT vaccination module to manage registration and data for COVID‑19 vaccines.

Operational and expanded to social safety‑net programs, but sustainability and connectivity challenges remain.

World Bank vaccination blog

National Cybersecurity Strategy adopted

2020 (public release)

Strategy includes eight pillars and calls for a National Agency for Cybersecurity.

Agency not yet established; cybersecurity governance remains fragmented.

Legal Agenda

Digital Transformation Strategy approved

12 May 2022

Implementation ongoing with WB/UNDP support

Implementation underway; funding from World Bank; governance model defined.

UNDP press release

UNDP‑OMSAR partnership signed

1 Aug 2022

UNDP and OMSAR signed an MoU to accelerate digital transformation and conduct a digital readiness assessment.

Ongoing; assessment being conducted.

UNDP press release

World Bank publishes digital identity diagnostic

3 Jun 2024

World Bank released the Lebanon ID Diagnostic and Digital ID Use Cases reports to guide design of a digital ID system.

Implementation design phase; quick win proposals identified.

World Bank blog

President emphasises digital reform & DCO application

3 Jun 2025

At the “Smart Government, Diaspora Experts for Lebanon” conference, President Joseph Aoun called digital transformation a “national project” to combat corruption and announced that Lebanon applied to join the Digital Cooperation Organization.

Political commitment affirmed; membership pending; focus on diaspora engagement.

Arab News

 

Next Steps – Transparency and Accountability Calendar

 

Action

Responsible entity

Target date

Source

Parliamentary passage of the Technology & AI Ministry Law, define mandate, budget, and oversight

Parliament, PCM

Q4 2025–Q1 2026

Annahar, 09-09-2025

Conclude MoF–IMF tax roadmap and sign MoU, publish summary, start pilots

MoF and IMF FAD

By Oct 2025

ElNashra, 08-09-2025

Launch Digital Health ID pilot and publish interoperability framework for health

MoPH with OMSAR

Q1–Q2 2026

MoPH launch event, 2025

Publish service mapping and redesign quick-wins list, with KPIs and delivery dates

Minister of State for Tech & AI, OMSAR

Q4 2025

NNA, 25-08-2025

Align cybersecurity pillar under new ministry, draft algorithmic impact assessment guidance for public services

PCM, new ministry, OMSAR

Q1 2026

Policy commentary cited; Cabinet decision

Finalize ESCP & launch USD 150M Digital Acceleration Project

OMSAR & WB

2025

OMSAR

Draft and adopt implementing decrees for Law 81/2018 (electronic documents, authentication certificates, domain name registry)

Ministry of State for Technology & Investment, COLIBAC, Council of Ministers

Dec 2025 (decrees overdue since 2018)

Compliance Alert, Legal Agenda

Establish National Agency for Cybersecurity and enact unified cybersecurity law

Supreme Defense Council & Parliament

2026

Legal Agenda

Publish digital landscape and e‑readiness assessment

OMSAR & UNDP

2025

UNDP press release

Pilot national digital ID system and implement quick wins (use of barcode on existing IDs)

OMSAR & Ministry of Interior with World Bank support

2025–2026

World Bank blog

Expand Dawlati portal & interoperability platform to all ministries; launch shared services (e‑billing, e‑payment)

OMSAR & relevant ministries

2025

Legal Agenda

Strengthen enforcement of Access to Information Law and operationalize NACC

OMSAR, NACC, Judiciary

2025

LCPS

Issue additional Central Bank circulars to enable full digital payments and e‑signature

Central Bank (CBL)

2025

ITA

Secure sustainable funding and offline access for IMPACT platform; expand modules to social programs

Central Inspection Bureau & Ministries

2025

World Bank vaccination blog

Join Digital Cooperation Organization (complete membership process)

Government of Lebanon

2025–2026

Arab News

 

Implementation Bottlenecks & Required Actions

Bottleneck

Official explanation

Required immediate action

Source

Legislative delays in Parliament

Several reform bills (including the Technology & AI Ministry law) stalled during the 28 Oct session due to agenda disputes.

Prioritize digital reform bills in Parliamentary agenda and form a fast-track committee.

N/A

Missing implementing decrees for Law 81/2018

Law 81/2018 recognizes e‑signatures but courts will decide evidentiary weight until authentication service providers are accredited; implementing decrees are needed.

Draft and pass pending decrees on electronic document recognition, data retention and domain name registry; accredit certification service providers.

Compliance Alert

Weak compliance with Access to Information Law

Despite the 2017 law and 2021 amendments, ministries often fail to publish information; the law lacks assistance provisions and is considered relatively weak.

Empower the National Anti‑Corruption Commission and judiciary to enforce compliance; provide training and resources to ministries; update guidelines.

LCPS

Infrastructure limitations & digital divide

Lebanon faces unreliable electricity, limited broadband, and a reliance on cash; these hinder digital adoption. For digital health platforms, connectivity issues exclude rural communities.

Invest in power and telecom infrastructure; provide offline versions of digital services; subsidize connectivity for underserved areas.

ITA, World Bank vaccination blog

Fragmented cybersecurity governance

The national cybersecurity strategy proposes a unified agency, but no law or agency has been established.

Draft and pass a law creating the National Cybersecurity Agency; allocate budget; coordinate with security agencies.

Legal Agenda

Lack of planning & performance units in ministries

The Minister of State for Administrative Reform noted that government lacks planning and monitoring units and must modernize human resources.

Establish planning and performance units in each ministry and centralize monitoring; develop capacity-building programs.

Arab News

Financial sustainability of digital platforms

The IMPACT vaccination platform relies on donor funding; long‑term funding is uncertain.

Secure government budget allocations or public‑private partnerships to fund platform maintenance; integrate modules across sectors to increase value.

World Bank vaccination blog

Persistent cash economy and low trust in banking

Reliance on cash reached 45.7% of GDP in 2022, and bank accounts per 100 adults fell from 77.3 in 2010 to 46.9 in 2021.

Promote digital payment adoption through regulatory clarity, consumer protection and incentives; address trust issues in the banking sector.

ITA

Inclusion Gaps (Digital Divide)

Gender, rural, elderly, and disability inclusion remain weak despite ongoing reforms

Embed inclusion KPIs in project M&E, roll out offline/low‑bandwidth access, and ensure WCAG‑compliant design

OMSAR Consultation Briefing, 28 Jul 2025

Funding Sustainability (WB Loan)

WB loan requires measurable outcomes and local capacity building to maintain donor trust and ensure project continuity

Establish robust M&E framework, tie disbursements to KPIs, and invest in local skills to reduce external dependency

OMSAR Consultation Briefing, 28 Jul 2025

 

Stakeholders & Roles

Entity

Core function

Contact (publicly available)

Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR)

Leads digital transformation strategy, develops Dawlati portal and interoperability standards.

Email: info@omsar.gov.lb; Phone: +961 1 371 510

Central Inspection Bureau (CIB)

Hosts IMPACT platform to collect and publish governmental data; monitors public administration.

Website: impact.cib.gov.lb.

Ministry of State for Technology & Investment

Works on implementing decrees for Law 81/2018 and cyber‑policy reforms.

Public contact via OMSAR.

Central Bank of Lebanon (CBL)

Issues circulars on digital payments and e‑KYC; regulates financial sector.

Website: www.bdl.gov.lb.

Ministry of Justice

Works with OMSAR on legal and regulatory framework for digital ID and electronic transactions.

Website: justice.gov.lb.

National Anti‑Corruption Commission (NACC)

Oversees implementation of access‑to‑information law and handles non‑compliance complaints.

Website: http://www.nacc.gov.lb/.

Ministry of Public Health (MOPH)

Partner in digital health modules and vaccination platform.

Website: www.moph.gov.lb.

UNDP Lebanon

Provides technical assistance and coordinates international support for digital transformation.

Contact: registry.lb@undp.org

World Bank

Provides funding and technical advice on digital ID, digital payments and public infrastructure.

Website: www.worldbank.org.

Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)

International organization promoting inclusive digital economies; Lebanon applied for membership.

Website: www.dco.org.


Legal & Policy Framework

Instrument

Status

Key provisions

Implementation note

Law to establish the Ministry of Technology & AI

Approved by Cabinet, pending Parliament

National digital strategy, unified services platform, cybersecurity and data protection remit

Founding law should include research, standards, algorithmic accountability, and infrastructure

Digital Health Strategy 2025–2030

Launched Sep 2025

Digital Health ID, interoperability, e-signature, BPR of 146 MoPH services

12 priority services identified, pilot planning required

Digital Transformation Strategy 2020‑2030 (DTS)

Approved 12 May 2022.

Provides a roadmap of ~80 digital projects with governance model (strategy, build, operate levels). Commits to open governance, security‑by‑default and readiness/risk management.

Implementation underway; financed by World Bank grants (US$60‑100 m); requires inter‑ministerial coordination and infrastructure upgrades.

Electronic Transactions & Personal Data Law (No. 81/2018)

Enacted 10 Oct 2018; implementing decrees pending.

Recognises electronic signatures and documents, defines domain‑name registry, sets data‑host liability, and introduces provisions for personal data protection.

Courts must decide evidentiary weight until certification service providers are accredited; decrees on authentication certificates and domain names remain to be issued.

Right of Access to Information Law (No. 28/2017) & Amendments (No. 233/2021)

Law 28/2017 enacted; law 233/2021 amendments adopted.

Obligates state administrations to publish budgets and decisions; allows individuals to request information online or via Information Officers. Amendments remove capacity requirement and expand coverage to religious courts.

Implementation remains weak; ministries often non‑compliant and enforcement mechanisms require strengthening.

National Cybersecurity Strategy

Developed by Prime Minister’s Office and OMSAR; publicized around 2020.

Eight pillars: defense/deterrence, international cooperation, capacity building, industrial development, export promotion, public‑private cooperation, strengthened intelligence services. Calls for a National Agency for Cybersecurity & Information Systems.

Agency not yet established; strategy lacks legislative backing.

UNDP‑OMSAR Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Signed 1 Aug 2022.

UNDP to provide technical assistance, conduct digital landscape and e‑readiness assessment, and coordinate UN support for digitization.

Implementation ongoing; results of readiness assessment pending.

Central Bank Circulars on E‑KYC & Digital Payments

E‑KYC onboarding allowed in 2020; additional circular issued in 2023 for P2P transfers.

Facilitates digital onboarding and limited P2P transfers; more regulations needed to fully enable electronic signatures and transactions.

Regulatory environment still evolving; restrictions on cloud hosting and local data storage hamper innovation.

 

Official Sources and Reference Materials

Document

Where to access

Digital Transformation Strategy 2020‑2030 (English)

OMSAR: omsar.gov.lb – DT Strategy

Lebanon Digital Acceleration Project

OMSAR: omsar.gov.lb – DAP Project

Electronic Transactions & Personal Data Law (No. 81/2018)

Compliance Alert analysis: compliancealert.org

Right of Access to Information Law & National Action Plan

LCPS “Access to Information in Lebanon” article and OMSAR–UNDP–OECD comparative chart (2021)

Legal Agenda article “Lebanon’s Digital Transformation … Shortcomings”

legal-agenda.com

World Bank blog “Digital identity: building the foundations of digital public infrastructure in Lebanon”

World Bank – Arab Voices

World Bank blog “Lebanon’s COVID‑19 vaccination digital platform promotes transparency & public trust”

World Bank – Arab Voices

International Trade Administration – Lebanon Digital Economy

trade.gov

UNDP press release “UNDP partners with OMSAR”

undp.org

Arab News report on digital transformation conference (3 Jun 2025)

arabnews.pk

IMPACT Open Data portal

impact.cib.gov.lb

 

List of Acronyms – Banking Sector Reform Tracker

Acronym

Full name

DTS

Digital Transformation Strategy (2020‑2030)

OMSAR

Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform

Dawlati

Lebanon’s e‑government portal

IMPACT

Inter‑Ministerial and Municipal Platform for Assessment, Coordination & Tracking

CIB

Central Inspection Bureau

E‑KYC

Electronic Know‑Your‑Customer

DT

Digital Transformation

NACC

National Anti‑Corruption Commission

DCO

Digital Cooperation Organization

DPI

Digital Public Infrastructure

ID

Identity Document

UNDP

United Nations Development Programme

CBL

Central Bank of Lebanon

 



[1] All reform data presented here is based on official Lebanese government sources, such as laws, decrees, strategies, and verified public data. Where possible, each update is linked to a document, gazette entry, or institutional publication.


Transparency International – Lebanon is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or appropriateness of any content published, uploaded, or shared by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) through the Platform. The responsibility for all content lies solely and entirely with the CSO that publishes it. TI-Lebanon does not endorse or guarantee any opinions, recommendations, or statements expressed in such content. Each CSO remains solely accountable for ensuring that its published content complies with applicable laws and regulations.

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As part of its advocacy efforts towards building a people-centered and sustainable recovery from the Beirut port explosion and its endeavors to promote inclusive and equitable social justice, as well as foster trust between individuals, entities, and the Lebanese government, the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies (LCPS) partnered with Transparency International (TI) and its local chapter, Transparency International Lebanon – No Corruption, to issue “The Reform Monitor.” The topics covered by the monitor are linked to the areas of reform, recovery, and reconstruction (3RF). The monitor falls within the Building Integrity and National Accountability in Lebanon (BINA’) project, which is funded by the European Union. At the end of December 2022, the overall framework was reviewed for evaluation and adaptation purposes based on the closeout of the first phase, with foreseen updates underway. The views expressed in the monitor do not necessarily reflect those of the donor.Reform MonitorLinkExplaining the 3RF in the Wake of the Beirut Blasthttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4774/explaining-the-3rf-in-the-wake-of-the-beirut-blastThe National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and Curbing Rampant Corruption in Lebanonhttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4793/the-national-anti-corruption-commission-(nacc)-and-curbing-rampant-corruption-in-lebanonThe Implementation of the 2020 Law on Illicit Enrichment: Challenges and Opportunitieshttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4815/the-implementation-of-the-2020-law-on-illicit-enrichment-challenges-and-opportunitiesAccess to Information in Lebanon: The Law and Its Implementationhttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4833/access-to-information-in-lebanon-the-law-and-its-implementationRegulating the Energy Transition: Lebanon’s New Law on Distributed Renewable Energyhttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4853/monitor-%7C-regulating-the-energy-transition-lebanon%E2%80%99s-new-law-on-distributed-renewable-energyThe National Human Rights Commission: Prospects and Challengeshttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4873/monitor-%7C-the-national-human-rights-commission-prospects-and-challengesProtecting Beirut’s Heritage Buildingshttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4877/reform-monitor-%7C-protecting-beirut%E2%80%99s-heritage-buildingsStatus Review of Disability Rights in Lebanonhttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4879/reform-monitor-%7C-status-review-of-disability-rights-in-lebanonLebanon’s Price Subsidies Systemhttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4882/lebanon%E2%80%99s-price-subsidies-systemSyrian Refugees in Lebanon: Legal Challenges for Municipalitieshttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4884/monitor-%7C-syrian-refugees-in-lebanon-legal-challenges-for-municipalitiesReforming Municipal Elections in Lebanon: Pathways to Democratic Local Governancehttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4888/reforming-municipal-elections-in-lebanon-pathways-to-democratic-local-governanceEducation in Times of Emergency in Lebanon: Improvised Solutions and Missed Opportunitieshttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4896/education-in-times-of-emergency-in-lebanon-improvised-solutions-and-missed-opportunitiesAssessing the Compliance of Lebanese Ministries with the Access to Information Lawhttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4890/monitor-%7C-assessing-the-compliance-of-lebanese-ministries-with-the-access-to-information-lawManagement of Construction Demolition Waste in Lebanonhttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4905/management-of-construction-demolition-waste-in-lebanonStrengthening Protections: An Analysis of Violence Against Women Legislation in Lebanonhttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4914/strengthening-protections-an-analysis-of-violence-against-women-legislation-in-lebanonGovernance of Aid in Times of Crisishttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4938/governance-of-aid-in-times-of-crisisStrengthening Whistleblower Protection: A Key to Accountability in Lebanonhttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4942/strengthening-whistleblower-protection-a-key-to-accountability-in-lebanonVoices Under Siege: Monitoring Freedom of Speech in Lebanonhttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4968/voices-under-siege-monitoring-freedom-of-speech-in-lebanonLiving with Inequality: An Overview of LGBTQIA+ Rights in Lebanonhttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4973/living-with-inequality-an-overview-of-lgbtqia--rights-in-lebanonLebanon’s Rental Law and the Housing Crisishttps://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4977/lebanon%E2%80%99s-rental-law-and-the-housing-crisisAdministrative Decentralization in Lebanon: Opportunity for Reform or Risk of Fragmentation?https://www.lcps-lebanon.org/en/articles/details/4981/administrative-decentralization-in-lebanon-opportunity-for-reform-or-risk-of-fragmentation read more

Social Protection Reform Tracker

Social Protection Reform Tracker[1] Reform Area: Universal, rights‑based & shock‑responsive Social Protection System Last Updated: November 2025 Citizen Impact Summary Dimension Snapshot Source Who Is Affected? All Lebanese citizens across the lifecycle; highest gains for ≈ 2 million people now under, or near, the monetary poverty line, esp. children, older persons, persons with disabilities (PwDs), informal‑economy workers, and female‑headed households. National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) 2023 executive summary; World Bank Poverty and Equity Assessment 2024 Financial Burden? Extreme poor households spend ~80% on food, rent, health; pensions eroded by currency collapse; high out-of-pocket health costs; informal workers lack social protection. ESSN Project Reports; UN Lebanon Position Paper; IMF Conditionality Evidence Summary Public Services? Health, education, and social services severely degraded; NSSF coverage reaches ~50% of formal workers; DAEM registry improves targeting but major gaps remain. National Social Protection Strategy; ESSN–AMAN Updates; UN System Reports Mental‑Health Toll? High stress among families, especially women and older persons; exclusion worsens social isolation; caregivers under strain; children’s well-being under threat. National Strategy for Older Persons 2020–2030; Overview & Objectives Goal Transition from fragmented, donor-driven safety nets to a universal, rights-based, shock-responsive, and fiscally sustainable social protection system that guarantees dignity, inclusion, and resilience across the life cycle. Strategic Importance Central to rebuilding the social contract, reducing multidimensional poverty and inequality, supporting informal workers, and stabilizing vulnerable communities in the context of protracted crises. Key Reform Priorities (2024‑26) 1- Enact the Social Protection Framework Law (2024/302) and implement Pension Reform Law (319/2023) through decrees, institutional restructuring, and fiscal integration. 2- Introduce and scale up universal non-contributory social pensions for persons aged 65+ and disability allowances in line with CRPD. 3- Integrate NPTP, ESSN, and other transfers under a unified National Safety Net using the DAEM-SPIS platform and lifecycle-based targeting. 4- Reform NSSF pension and health schemes to expand voluntary enrollment, especially for informal workers, and ensure sustainability. 5- Approve a domestic financing roadmap (0.7% of GDP) for long-term sustainability, reducing dependency on external grants and humanitarian pipelines. 6- Enhance governance through SPCU coordination, DAEM 2.0 rollout, and enforcement of data governance and third-party monitoring protocols. Reform Actions & StatusSpecific Reform Actions & Accountability Reform Action Required Current Status (May 2025) Lead Authority Implementing Body Oversight / Supporting Actors Primary Source Institutional reform: Rename the Ministry of Social Affairs to Ministry of Social Development The Parliamentary Committee on Health, Labour, and Social Affairs approved the government’s proposal to change the Ministry’s name to the Ministry of Social Development. Minister Haneen El-Sayed described this as a strategic shift from welfare provision to economic and social empowerment, aligning with the ministry’s new social development strategy launched in October 2025. The bill now awaits discussion in the Parliament’s general assembly. Council of Ministers / MoSA MoSA Parliament Committee on Health, Labour, and Social Affairs Social Affairs, 24 Sept 2025 Finalize scope of Unified Social Registry Terms of Reference approved; State Council resolved data privacy concerns; decree pending Council of Ministers vote PCM MOSA + PCM Technical Unit EU Delegation, UNICEF, ILO National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 Draft NSPS Action Plan Action plan not yet finalized; no formal circulation or costing validation publicly confirmed Inter-ministerial SP Committee MOSA World Bank, UNDP “Commitment to Develop a Resilient Social Protection System” 2025 Activate Pension Law 319/2023 Law approved; executive decrees under preparation; fiscal impact study pending cabinet review Council of Ministers Ministry of Labour / NSSF ILO, IMF, Parliament National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 Secure Domestic Financing Plan Ministry of Finance–PCM working group completed 0.7% GDP financing proposal; awaiting Cabinet endorsement Council of Ministers Ministry of Finance World Bank, IMF National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 Initiate scale-up of Disability Allowance Pilot launched in 2023; scale-up roadmap under technical finalization MoSA MoSA + SPCU UNICEF, ILO “Commitment to Develop a Resilient Social Protection System” 2025 Transition from End-of-Service Indemnity to Contributory Pension Scheme (Law 319/2023) Law adopted; executive decrees pending; actuarial and fiscal transition scenarios under review Parliament / Council of Ministers Ministry of Labour + NSSF ILO, IMF, WB An-Nahar, May 2025 Establish Unified Social Health Protection Scheme Fragmented schemes mapped; roadmap to consolidate under a unified scheme under technical design MoPH + Council of Ministers NSSF + CSC + Army Health WHO, ILO, UNICEF An-Nahar, May 2025 Modernize and Digitize Social Development Centers (SDCs) ISOSEP project rehabilitated 30+ centers; expansion and digital services integration ongoing MoSA MoSA + AICS + EU EU, Italian Cooperation An-Nahar, May 2025 Strengthen coordination via reactivation of Social Affairs Committee Committee inactive; reform proposal under review within MoSA PCM MoSA + MoPH + MoL + MEHE UNDP, ESCWA, EU Delegation An-Nahar, May 2025 Expand AMAN Emergency Cash Program Coverage expanded to 800,000 individuals; additional funding secured PCM + MoSA MoSA + SPCU WB, UN agencies PM Speech, June 2025 Launch 4-year multisector recovery plan (South) Multi-sector strategy co-designed with UN agencies; includes social protection pillar PCM MoSA + UNCT UNRCO, UNDP, UNICEF PM Speech, June 2025 Inclusive Emergency Preparedness for PwDs MoSA announced adoption of Lebanon’s first Inclusive Emergency Plan, integrating PwDs in all phases (preparedness, response, recovery); recommends establishing a permanent MoSA Emergency Cell, updating the disability registry with disaggregated data, ensuring accessible shelters, evacuation protocols, and communications, training MoSA/municipal staff, and allocating dedicated disability budget lines – a critical step to embed inclusion in the national social protection and crisis response system MoSA MoSA + Municipalities Arcenciel, Transparency Int’l – Lebanon, OPDs, UN agencies, EU Delegation Lebanese National News Agency, 17 Sep 2025  Reform Roadmap Timeline & Critical PathRecent Milestone Date Description Critical Path Status Source 10 Nov 2025 Parliamentary Health and Social Affairs Committee approves draft law renaming the Ministry of Social Affairs to the Ministry of Social Development, signaling a policy shift toward integrated empowerment and development-based programming. Institutional milestone – awaiting Parliament vote Lebanon 24, 10 Nov 2025 July 9, 2025 Social Protection Expenditure Review 2017‑2024 launched, highlighting fiscal gaps and sustainability roadmap. Strategic milestone MoF & Basile Fleihan Institute 2025 10 June 2025 PM announces expanded AMAN coverage and outlines Lebanon’s 3.0 vision including integrated social justice and protection Strategic vision milestone PM Speech, June 2025 12 May 2025 Pension Law 319/2023 fiscal impact study submitted to CoM Awaiting cabinet scheduling National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 20 Apr 2022 Government adopts National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) with five foundational pillars Completed on‑time National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) 2023 executive summary 05 Jan 2025 DAEM Social Registry v2 launches with expanded modules and data linkages Completed National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 15 December 2023 Parliament passes Pension Law as part of elderly care reform Completed UN, 2023 17 Sep 2025 National Conference launches Lebanon’s first Inclusive Emergency Plan for PwDs; MoSA commits to adopt plan, establish Emergency Cell, update disability registry, and integrate inclusive measures into national SP/DRM systems Policy milestone – sets direction for inclusive preparedness; requires MoSA decision instruments, TORs, and budget allocations Lebanese National News Agency, 17 Sep 2025  Next Steps – Transparency and Accountability Calendar Action Responsible Entity Target Date MoSA decision to adopt and operationalize Inclusive Emergency Plan for PwDs (incl. Emergency Cell, registry update, accessible shelters, training, budget lines) MoSA + Municipalities + OPDs TBC Cabinet approval of Unified Social Registry decree & data governance protocol PCM + MoSA Pending Cabinet approval of Domestic Financing Plan (0.7% GDP) MoF + CoM Awaiting endorsement Finalize and launch 4-year South Recovery Plan including Social Protection pillar PCM + UN Agencies + MoSA N/A Publish NSPS Annual Implementation Report 2024 SPCU N/A Develop NSPS into an integrated Social Development Plan with decentralization lens MoSA + Council of Ministers N/A Restructure and activate the Inter-ministerial Social Affairs Committee CoM, MoSA, MoPH, MoL, MEHE Pending reform proposal Design national job activation and decent work programs MoL + CDR + Donor Partners   Parliament vote on Health Coverage Law for retirees and toward universal retirement-age health Parliament Health Committee + Parliament General Assembly Stalled Reform institutional governance of social protection institutions CoM + Parliament + NSSF Board   Ensure equitable integration of fragmented health coverage systems MoPH + NSSF + CSC + Army Health Directorate   Approve domestic financing plan for NSPS Council of Ministers + Ministry of Finance N/A Scale-up of Disability Allowance with OPD consultation MoSA + SPCU + UNICEF/ILO Technical prep underway Finalize governance protocol for Social Protection Information System (SPIS) PCM + MoSA N/A  Implementation Bottlenecks & Required Actions Bottleneck Official Explanation Required Action Source Fiscal space constraints High debt burden; limited domestic revenue Adopt domestic reallocation plan (0.7% GDP) and explore earmarked funding under NSPS financing plan National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 Political turnover risk Cabinet reshuffles delaying law approvals Build inter-party consensus and fast-track key parliamentary votes National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 Data-sharing and privacy gaps Ministries hesitant to share sensitive databases Finalize and issue data governance protocols under Unified Social Registry decree National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) 2023 executive summary Fragmented governance Multiplicity of actors with weak inter-agency links Consolidate coordination under SPCU; clarify mandates through legal frameworks “Commitment to Develop a Resilient Social Protection System” 2025 Humanitarian-to-national transition gaps Parallel humanitarian pipelines bypass national systems Integrate humanitarian caseloads via DAEM-SPIS interoperability, with donor alignment enforced National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 Public trust / corruption perception Low confidence in cash transfer transparency Expand third-party monitoring and grievance mechanisms under NSPS framework National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) 2023 executive summary; CAMEALEON & ARI, Oct 2024   Stakeholders & Roles Entity Core Function Contact Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) Sector lead; oversees NSPS, ESSN, NDA; hosts and chairs the SPCU info@socialaffairs.gov.lb Ministry of Finance (MoF) Leads NSPS financing and fiscal risk assessments; co-chairs financing working group with PCM infocenter@finance.gov.lb National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Administers contributory pensions and health coverage; implementing Pension Reform Law 319/2023 info@cnss.gov.lb Central Inspection Office / IMPACT Manages DAEM Social Registry platform, MIS integration, data quality assurance, and inter-agency access protocols info@cib.gov.lb SPCU (Social Protection Coordination Unit, within MoSA) Coordinates NSPS implementation, monitors results, prepares reports, and liaises with donors and technical partners   Committee on Public Health, Labor, and Social Affairs Oversees legislative review of social protection laws, including the Framework Law and Pension Law amendments   ILO & UNICEF Provide technical support for pension design, disability allowance, child grant, data protection, and costing beirut@unicef.org; beirut@ilo.org EU Delegation to Lebanon Provides financial and technical support for registry development, legal reform, and governance mechanisms   World Bank ESSN PMU Manages financing, fiduciary controls, and TA for ESSN program; coordinates with DAEM and SPCU     Legal & Policy Framework Instrument Status Key Provisions Implementation Note National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS, Cabinet Decision 69/2022) In force (since 2023) Establishes a national framework with 5 pillars, including lifecycle protection, social insurance, social assistance, employment links, and governance; sets roadmap 2023–2030; creates SPCU Guides actions across all line ministries; implementation coordinated by SPCU under PCM Universal Social Pension (proposed under NSPS) Policy proposal (under NSPS) Plans to introduce a universal, non-contributory social pension for persons aged 65+ to ensure minimum income security; benefit level to be indexed; design aligned with lifecycle protection pillar Requires legal drafting, Cabinet and parliamentary approval, and secured fiscal space; no draft decree yet prepared Disability Allowance Decree Pilot operational since 2023; scaling planned 2025 Provides flat cash transfer plus disability service card; aligned with CRPD obligations and designed for phased scale-up Scaling plan under technical preparation with UNICEF and ILO support Child Grant Regulation Pilot operational (2024) Designed to be poverty-neutral and integrated under NSPS targeting framework Evaluation scheduled December 2025 to assess performance and inform broader rollout NSSF Law Amendments (2024) Enacted Expands NSSF to allow voluntary enrollment for informal sector workers; strengthens contributory social insurance coverage Actuarial caps established; full implementation pending issuance of detailed board decrees and administrative measures Pension Law 319/2023 Adopted (Dec 2023); awaiting decrees Replaces end-of-service indemnity with contributory retirement scheme; mandatory for new workers & <49 y/o; phased transition model Executive decrees under drafting; fiscal impact study submitted to Council of Ministers May 2025 Health Coverage Law (Parliament Committee Draft) Under discussion in Health Committee; stalled Extends NSSF health coverage to retirees over 64; aims for universal retirement-age health protection Referred to Parliament plenary; no vote scheduled as of May 2025   Official Sources and Reference Materials   Instrument Source National Social Protection Strategy 2023 National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) 2023 executive summary WB Poverty & Equity Assessment 2024 World Bank, “Lebanon Poverty and Equity Assessment 2024 – Weathering a Protracted Crisis” ILO “Extending Social Health Protection” 2024 ILO, “Extending Social Health Protection to Informal Economy Workers in Lebanon,” 2024 ESSN Stakeholder Engagement Plan 2023 World Bank / ESSN Project Management Unit, “ESSN Stakeholder Engagement Plan,” 2023 UN/ILO/UNICEF Position Paper 2020 UN, ILO, UNICEF, “Joint Position Paper on Social Protection Floors in Lebanon,” 2020 HelpAge / ILO Brief on Older Persons 2022 HelpAge International and ILO, “A Glimmer of Hope amidst the Pain,” 2022     List of Acronyms – Social Protection Reform Tracker   Acronym Full Term ARI Arab Reform Initiative CAS Central Administration of Statistics CoM Council of Ministers CRPD Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities DAEM Social Registry Platform ESSN Emergency Social Safety Net EU European Union GDP Gross Domestic Product ILO International Labour Organization IMF International Monetary Fund IMPACT Inter-Ministerial and Municipal Platform for Assessment, Coordination and Tracking MIS Management Information System MoF Ministry of Finance MoL Ministry of Labour MoSA Ministry of Social Affairs NASS National Strategy for the Advancement of Older Persons (assumed from context) NDA National Disability Allowance NPTP National Poverty Targeting Programme NSSF National Social Security Fund NSPS National Social Protection Strategy OPDs Organizations of Persons with Disabilities PCM Presidency of the Council of Ministers PMU Project Management Unit PwDs Persons with Disabilities SP Social Protection SPCU Social Protection Coordination Unit SPIS Social Protection Information System TA Technical Assistance TOR Terms of Reference UN United Nations UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund WB World Bank   [1] All reform data presented here is based on official Lebanese government sources, such as laws, decrees, strategies, and verified public data. Where possible, each update is linked to a document, gazette entry, or institutional publication. read more

Public Procurement Reform Tracker

Public Procurement Reform Tracker[1] Reform Area: Public Procurement Last Updated: November 2025 Citizen Impact Summary Dimension Snapshot Source Who Is Affected? All ministries, municipalities, public institutions, SOEs, citizens, and private suppliers dependent on fair, efficient public spending and infrastructure recovery. Status of Implementation of Lebanon’s Public Procurement Law 244-2021 and Assessment of Skills’ Gaps and Training Needs : Summary Report Financial Burden? 78% funding gap for national strategy; implementation suffers from delayed decrees, weak staffing, and currency devaluation impacting bid pricing and procurement planning. Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 Public Services? Municipal and sectoral procurements stalled or conducted outside legal frameworks due to lack of tools, standard documents, and functioning e-platform. Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 Mental‑Health Toll? Chronic uncertainty in public tenders, lack of grievance redress, and elite interference contribute to reform fatigue and institutional demoralization. World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024; Technical Note on the Amendments brought to Law 244/2021; Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 Overview & Objectives Goal Establish a transparent, competitive, and accountable procurement system aligned with international standards. Strategic Importance Public procurement is a foundational anti-corruption and fiscal reform, highlighted in CEDRE, IMF SLA (2022), and the 3RF recovery framework. Key Reform Priorities 1. Finalize secondary legislation (internal, financial, staffing decrees for PPA & CA). 2. Operationalize PPA and establish Complaints Authority. 3. Publish Standard Procurement Documents and guidelines. 4. Launch full national e-procurement system. 5. Institutionalize certified procurement cadres across public entities. Reform Actions & Status Specific Reform Actions & Accountability Reform Action Required Current Status Lead Authority Implementing Body Oversight / Supporting Actors Primary Source Establish Public Procurement Authority (PPA) President appointed; 4 board members still pending. PPA operating with only 8 staff (5 auditors) despite legal mandate of 83. Internal and financial regulations remained unapproved for 2.5 years, limiting institutional activation. PPA president confirmed that progress is constrained by HR shortages and delayed appointments. Council of Ministers Ministry of Finance / IoF Parliament, Donor Coordination Group Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025; Nidaa Al Watan, 26 Feb 2025; NNA, 12 June 2025 Create Complaints Authority (CA) Not yet established. Legal and institutional framework pending; board formation stalled. Lack of CA undermines grievance mechanisms and erodes public trust. Council of Ministers To be determined PPA, Ministry of Finance Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Launch e-Procurement Platform Portal is actively used to publish tenders, awards, and annual plans across entities, including new notices dated Nov 2025, yet end-to-end e-tendering and centralized supplier registration remain pending. PPA PPA WB, IoF, EU/OECD SIGMA Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025; Nidaa Al Watan, 26 Feb 2025; NNA, 12 June 2025; PPA 2025 Adopt Decrees on PPA Internal & Financial Regulations Adopted in Dec 2024 after 2.5 years of delay. Decrees had been submitted by PPA in July 2022 and remained pending in CoM. Council of Ministers PPA Inter-ministerial Committee Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Nidaa Al Watan, 26 Feb 2025 Appoint trained procurement officers in all entities Institutional framework developed but skills and staffing gaps persist across ministries, municipalities, and SOEs. Law-mandated procurement cadre remains incomplete. Ministry of Finance / PPA Procuring Entities IoF, UNDP, WB Status of Implementation of Lebanon’s Public Procurement Law 244-2021 and Assessment of Skills’ Gaps and Training Needs : Summary Report Set up Technical Support Unit at PPA and CA Not yet operational. No dedicated staff assigned to technical support or capacity-building. Requires budget line and formal hiring. Ministry of Finance PPA / CA Donors Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Nidaa Al Watan, 26 Feb 2025 Ensure BDL compliance with Law 244/2021 in advisory and services contracts PPA concluded the BDL–K2 Integrity contract was concluded through procedures that violate Law 244/2021: signed on 9 Jul 2025 by a non-competent authority while the Central Council lacked quorum, relied on a lapsed/unsuitable CoM Decision No. 3 of 2 Oct 2024, and fell outside the scope of emergency security/IT services; therefore subject to annulment before the Shura Council. PPA BDL Parliament, Court of Accounts, Central Inspection Legal Agenda September 11, 2025; Daraj September 9, 2025 Reform Roadmap Timeline & Critical Path Recent Milestone Recent Milestone Date What Happened Status on Critical Path Source PPA memo on announcement deadlines (Art. 12) Oct 29, 2025 PPA issued Memo No. 3/هـ.ش.ع./2025 clarifying tender announcement periods required by Law 244/2021. Supports uniform practice across procuring entities, reduces challenges. PPA 2025 PPA determines BDL–K2 contract violates Law 244/2021 September 2025 PPA, in a formal reply to a parliamentary question, found the K2 Integrity contract concluded in breach of Article 46 procedures, competence rules, and scope limits of CoM Decision No. 3/2024. Highlights enforcement needs and uniform application across entities, including BDL. Legal Agenda September 11, 2025; Daraj September 9, 2025 EDL HQ Rehabilitation Tender Suspended July 27, 2025 Court of Audit suspended tender 30 minutes before opening financial bids due to appeals by excluded companies; PPA and DPA reviewing legality and transparency Shows active application of Law 244/2021 oversight; delays infrastructure recovery Al-Modon, 2 August 2025 PPA presents progress to EU June 12, 2025 PPA shared reform updates with EU delegation; highlighted launch of new website and upcoming annual report Signals forward momentum in implementation NNA, 12 June 2025 Decrees for PPA and CA finalized Dec 2024 CoM approved PPA internal and financial regulation decrees after 2.5 years of delay since July 2022 Achieved Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Law 244/2021 enters into force July 2022 Public Procurement Law became legally binding Achieved Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 Law 309/2023 (Amendments to Public Procurement Law) April 2023 Controversial amendments affecting procurement committees and eligibility; referred for constitutional review Achieved Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023   Next Steps – Transparency and Accountability Calendar Action Responsible Entity Target Date Source Regularize or rescind BDL–K2 contract: either run a competitive process under Law 244/2021 or obtain a specific, time-bound CoM authorization per Article 46(4) with explicit reasons and ex post publication. Banque du Liban / CoM / PPA - Legal Agenda September 11, 2025; Daraj September 9, 2025 PMO/PPA to issue a standardized template and guidance for Article 46 requests, including explicit justification, scope limits, and publication requirements, then circulate to all entities including BDL. PMO / PPA - Legal Agenda September 11, 2025; Daraj September 9, 2025 Resolve EDL HQ tender suspension & relaunch transparent process EDL / Court of Audit / PPA / DPA Aug 2025 (est.) Al-Modon, 2 August 2025 Issue first PPA annual report identifying procurement implementation gaps and reform needs PPA - NNA, 12 June 2025 Appoint 4 remaining PPA Board Members Council of Ministers - Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Recruit full PPA staffing (83 positions) to replace stopgap staffing of 8 employees (incl. 5 auditors) Civil Service Board / Council of Ministers - Nidaa Al Watan, 26 Feb 2025 Establish Complaints Authority (CA) CSB / CoM - Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 Finalize national e-procurement platform OMSAR / MoF / PPA - Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Nidaa Al Watan, 26 Feb 2025 Launch procurement profession competency IoF / CSB / PMO - Status of Implementation of Lebanon’s Public Procurement Law 244-2021 and Assessment of Skills’ Gaps and Training Needs : Summary Report; Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Clarify and codify emergency procurement rules to prevent abuse of Article 46 exceptions and ensure ex post accountability. This includes formalizing thresholds, publishing post-crisis contracts, and defining “urgent need” criteria in alignment with Memo No. 8/2024. Parliament / MoF / PPA - Nidaa Al Watan, 22 Nov 2024; Memo 8/2024; Hura7.com, 28 Dec 2024 Enforce post-war audit of exceptional procurements conducted under Article 46(2) (emergency clause) to assess legality, necessity, and abuse Public Procurement Authority (PPA) / Court of Accounts / Central Inspection Upon cessation of hostilities Nidaa Al Watan, 22 Nov 2024 Issue remaining implementing decrees of the Public Procurement Law following political consultations between Speaker of Parliament and PPA President Parliament (Speaker’s Office) / Council of Ministers / PPA - LBCI News; March 2025 (Meeting between Speaker Berri and PPA President Jean Alia)   Implementation Bottlenecks & Required Actions Bottleneck Official Explanation Required Immediate Action Source Political interference in appointments Delayed formation of collegial PPA and CA weakens reform impact CoM to prioritize appointments via transparent, merit-based process Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 Budget shortfalls Inadequate allocations in 2023 budget for PPA and CA operations Ensure 2025 budget includes full funding for both bodies Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 Technical capacity gaps Procurement officers lack adequate training and clarity on roles Launch national training and qualification scheme Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023   Stakeholders & Roles Entity Core Function Primary Contact Point Public Procurement Authority (PPA) Regulatory oversight of public procurement; develops standard templates and guidelines; manages capacity building and monitoring; provides guidance to procuring entities. President of the PPA (currently Judge Jean Alia) Complaints Authority (planned) Independent body for reviewing procurement complaints and appeals; ensures legal redress and fairness; not yet operational. To be appointed by Council of Ministers (under Article 78 of Law 244) Institute of Finance Basil Fuleihan (IoF) Technical coordination of procurement reform; leads training programs, MAPS assessments, and capacity gap studies; advisor to Ministry of Finance. Director of IoF – Ministry of Finance Council of Ministers (CoM) Political and administrative authority for adopting decrees (e.g., on PPA, CA, financial rules); responsible for key appointments and funding allocations. General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) Technical lead for e-procurement system development (together with PPA); manages IT infrastructure and inter-operability aspects. Director General of OMSAR Ministry of Finance (MoF) Parent ministry for procurement reform policy; responsible for budgeting PPA and CA; coordinates donor support and public financial management (PFM) integration. Director General of Finance Civil Service Board (CSB) Oversees recruitment of procurement officers and validation of organizational structures; participates in approving procurement cadre framework. President of the Civil Service Board Donor Coordination Platform (EU, WB, UNDP, AFD, etc.) Provides financial and technical assistance; monitors implementation progress and alignment with international standards. Chaired by EU Delegation to Lebanon (rotating lead among partners) Procuring Entities (Ministries, Municipalities, SOEs) Responsible for planning, executing, and reporting on procurement activities in compliance with Law 244/2021. Procurement Focal Points / Directorate of Administrative Affairs Court of Accounts / Central Inspection Audits public spending including procurement; monitors compliance and flags violations. President of Court of Accounts / Head of Central Inspection   Legal & Policy Framework Instrument Status Key Provisions Implementation Note Law 244/2021 (Public Procurement Law) In force since July 2022 Applies to all public entities; e-platform; PPA & CA establishment Core reform pillar aligned with UNCITRAL and OECD guidelines Decree on PPA internal regulation Adopted (Dec 2024) Governance, structure, HR and internal processes Approved by Council of Ministers Decree on PPA financial regulation Adopted (Dec 2024) Budget and financial procedures Still pending full implementation with MoF coordination Amendments (Law 309/2023) Controversial Changes to bidder eligibility and committee appointment standards Constitutional appeal submitted; viewed as undermining original reform   Official Sources and Reference Materials   Instrument Source Ministerial Statement (25 Feb 2025) Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Public Procurement Reform Strategy 2022–2024 Public Procurement Reform Strategy 2022–2024 Paving the way for Sustainable Public Procurement in Lebanon Paving the way for Sustainable Public Procurement in Lebanon Technical Note on Amendments to Law 244/2021 Technical Note on the Amendments brought to Law 244/2021 Progress Report – Jan 2024 Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 World Bank Summary Report on PPL Implementation – Dec 2024 Status of Implementation of Lebanon’s Public Procurement Law 244-2021 and Assessment of Skills’ Gaps and Training Needs : Summary Report     List of Acronyms – Public Procurement Reform Tracker Acronym Full Name PPA Public Procurement Authority CA Complaints Authority MoF Ministry of Finance IoF Institute of Finance Basil Fuleihan CoM Council of Ministers OMSAR Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform CSB Civil Service Board SOEs State-Owned Enterprises WB World Bank EU European Union OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development SIGMA Support for Improvement in Governance and Management (joint EU–OECD initiative) UNDP United Nations Development Programme AFD Agence Française de Développement PMO Prime Minister’s Office MAPS Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems UNCITRAL United Nations Commission on International Trade Law   [1] All reform data presented here is based on official Lebanese government sources, such as laws, decrees, strategies, and verified public data. Where possible, each update is linked to a document, gazette entry, or institutional publication. read more