Event Report Dialogue on the Revolving Credit Fund (RCF) of the Syria Recovery Trust Fund (SRTF), 26.1.2026, Platform “A New Beginning for Syria”

Show image information

Syria Recovery Trust Fund

At the beginning of the event, Hani Khabbaz, Director General of the SRTF, presented the overall structure and governance of the SRTF. The SRTF was founded in 2013 to support the reconstruction of essential services in Syria. Through the RCF, the SRTF provides financing for small and medium-sized enterprises. What makes this approach unique is that loans ranging from USD 400 to USD 60,000 are granted in conflict areas, with a focus on women, young people, people with disabilities, returnees, and internally displaced persons.

The RCF also provides non-financial services such as training and coaching on business development and financial literacy. So far, this has helped 5,200 business owners. The subsequent discussion addressed technical conditions for receiving a loan including mandatory training and repayment terms, as well as market balance, Sharia compliance, and the inclusion of minority groups as beneficiaries. Participants of the Syrian diaspora in Germany shared their needs for a sustainable engagement in the country and own entrepreneurial ventures.

Mr. Robert Siegfried, Head of Division S04 at the German Federal Foreign Office, highlighted Germany’s role (member of Steering Committee) as the largest donor to the SRTF, expressed his appreciation for the open and constructive dialogue, and conveyed his hope for strengthened cooperation between the SRTF and Syrian diaspora entrepreneurs.

Overall, the exchange underlined the strong interest of the Syrian diaspora in contributing to local economic revitalization. Participants suggested that, in the future, the platform could establish a dedicated space for the development and exchange of concrete business ideas.

Please find the link to the video presented during the meeting here:
https://www.srtfund.org/albums/52-srtf-revolving-credit-fund-rcf-2026 (External link)

Further information on upcoming events of the platform “A New Beginning for Syria” is available via our email distribution list and through our LinkedIn group, which we warmly invite you to join.

Do you have ideas or questions you would like to share with the platform “A New Beginning for Syria”?

Would you like to contribute your experience and expertise? Please contact us at: neuanfang-syrien@giz.de

Survey by SRTF:

Show image information

SRTF

In order to improve the analysis and planning of SRTF projects, a voluntary survey to collect
information on business plans and financing needs is available at the following link: SRTF -
Business Financing Needs Assessment – Syria.

Credits: Platform “A New Beginning for Syria”

Further material: