As Raqqa approaches the seventh anniversary of its control by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on October 30, 2024, the region continues to grapple with significant economic challenges. Despite its rich natural resources, particularly in agriculture and oil, Raqqa suffers from poor economic management under the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) [1ae4accb].
On October 7, 2024, AANES announced the establishment of an Economy Council aimed at addressing these economic issues. However, the region's economic conditions remain dire, with a gross economic participation rate of only 19.3% from 2010 to 2021 [1ae4accb]. The AANES has projected revenues for 2024 at $670 million, contrasting sharply with anticipated expenditures of $1.059 billion, resulting in a staggering deficit of $389 million [1ae4accb].
Despite some improvements in infrastructure, the economic landscape in Raqqa has not seen significant enhancements, leading to ongoing protests demanding better living conditions from the local administration [1ae4accb]. The discontent among residents reflects a broader frustration with the management of the region's resources and the lack of effective governance, which has hindered economic growth and stability [1ae4accb].