Germany commits new funds to help Somalia recover from drought

The German government has announced it will commit €24.6m to support essential urban infrastructure in Somalia.

The news is the first collaboration between Germany and the World Bank, which will channel the investment through its Multi Partner Fund (MPF)

Germany’s contribution will help “strengthen municipal planning and implementation capacity to improve access to basic infrastructure”, according to a statement from the World Bank.

The fund is a unique vehicle for coordinating financing for sustainable reconstruction and development in Somalia. The focus of the fund is on core state functions and economic recovery.

The first half of 2017 saw Somalia experience one of its worst droughts in decades. Over half the population was in need of humanitarian support and 680,000 were displaced.

Since then Somalia has been working with the World Bank to improve the country’s urban resilience and infrastructure to these shocks. For example, retrofitting key roads to improve access to water will help the country recover a future drought.

Marius Rauh, the German government’s Head of Development Cooperation, commented:

“Germany joins the MPF at a critical and exciting juncture. Investments in infrastructure through municipalities will not only contribute to generating growth in urban areas and improving the living conditions for Somali citizens, but will also support local governments in planning and managing more resilient cities.”

Hugh Riddell, the World Bank’s Country Representative for Somalia welcomed the addition of Germany to the list of countries partnering with the fund:

“The World Bank’s role in Somalia is about working with and through government and building the capacity of the authorities to spearhead reform and development. Germany’s contribution to the MPF will allow us to build on the initial work in urban resilience and to expand this agenda across the country”

H.E Hon. Abdirahman Beileh, Somalia’s Minister of Finance, said:

“The Federal Government appreciates Germany’s commitment to use government systems and channel funds through the MPF. We cannot underestimate the importance of government leadership in rebuilding the country”

Other partners supporting the MPF in Somalia include the EU, United Kingdom, United States, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.

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Image Credit: World Bank