The African Development Bank (AfDB) is committing $28.86 million to support development projects in Somalia. The institution announced it on July 19 during a Board meeting.

Of the amount, $11.99 million is for an urban water and sanitation project in the towns of Kismayo (south) and Baidoa (southwest). The remaining $16.86 million is for the rehabilitation of 247 km of roads and the construction of new 100 km.

The projects are designed to increase access to clean water across the country particularly in the focus towns and, on the other hand, enhance connectivity and ease transport.

According to AfDB’s Deputy Regional Director-General for East Africa, Nnenna Nwabufo (photo), “the water and sanitation project will propel Somalia towards Sustainable Development Goals on universal access to water and sanitation”. It is expected to reach about 200,000 people in the two cities, where an estimated 65% of the population live below the poverty line.

The new investment aligns with AfDB’s High 5 priorities and reflects its ambition contribute to further resilience in the Horn of Africa. To date, the Bank has an active portfolio worth $109.13 million in Somalia with 12 ongoing projects.

Firmine AIZAN