Somalia mobilizes international support for its infrastructure development

On May 25, 2017, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) co-hosted a meeting with donors and friends of Somalia on "Financing the Infrastructure Pillar of Somalia's National Development Plan (NDP) 2017-19" during the African Development Bank's Annual Meetings in Ahmedabad, India.

Representatives from Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United States of America, Germany, Sweden, Egypt, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the World Bank, and AfDB were in attendance. The well-attended meeting was a timely opportunity for the FGS to further articulate its infrastructure investment priorities and outline the financing options available for delivering these priorities, following the successful launch of a New Partnership Agreement between Somalia and the international community at the London Somalia Conference on May 11, 2017.

The FGS has made the rehabilitation and development of Somalia's infrastructure a top priority through the NDP 2017-19, given its importance in accelerating economic recovery and job creation, developing a competitive and prosperous private sector, and restoring peace and stability.

However, the FGS noted that aid flows to Somalia are currently prioritized towards short-term imperatives, leaving infrastructure and economic growth as the least funded pillars of the NDP priorities. Therefore, it is crucial to identify new sources of funding that align with the country's top priorities. (based on news https://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/somalia-donors-commit-to-fill-us-105-million-infrastructure-projects-funding-gap-17084)

Lessons from Somalia: What Nepal Can Learn About Community, Entrepreneurship, Resilience, Inclusion and infrastructure development

Nepal and Somalia may seem like two countries that have little in common, but both nations share some similar challenges and opportunities. Nepal, a small landlocked country located in South Asia, faces a range of issues related to poverty, infrastructure, and governance. Somalia, a war-torn country in the Horn of Africa, has struggled with conflict, instability, and poverty for several decades. Despite their differences, there are some valuable lessons that Nepal can learn from Somalia.

 

One of the most important lessons that Nepal can learn from Somalia is the importance of community engagement and participation. In Somalia, community involvement in decision-making and development initiatives has been crucial in rebuilding local institutions and fostering social cohesion. Despite the ongoing challenges of insecurity and political instability, community-based organizations and traditional structures have played a key role in providing basic services and support to vulnerable populations. Nepal, with its diverse ethnic and linguistic groups, can benefit from empowering local communities and involving them in the design and implementation of development programs.

 

Another lesson that Nepal can learn from Somalia is the value of entrepreneurship and innovation in driving economic growth. Somalia has a thriving informal economy, with many small-scale businesses and entrepreneurial ventures that have emerged in the absence of formal job opportunities. This has led to the creation of new products and services, as well as increased trade and commerce. Nepal, which also has a large informal sector, can learn from Somalia's experience and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation as a means of creating jobs and reducing poverty.

 

Somalia's experience also highlights the importance of building resilient and adaptive systems in the face of adversity. The country has faced numerous challenges, including natural disasters, conflict, and disease outbreaks, but has managed to persevere through the use of innovative approaches and adaptation. For example, in response to droughts and floods, communities have developed strategies such as rainwater harvesting and early warning systems. Similarly, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Somalia has adopted digital solutions such as mobile money and telemedicine to maintain basic services. Nepal, which is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, can learn from Somalia's resilience and develop strategies to build more adaptive and responsive systems.

 

Fourth, Nepal can learn from Somalia's experiences in fostering social inclusion and reducing inequality. Despite its challenges, Somalia has made progress in expanding access to education and health services, particularly for marginalized communities. In recent years, the country has also made efforts to promote gender equality and empower women and girls. Nepal, which has struggled with high levels of inequality and discrimination, can benefit from adopting similar approaches and investing in policies that promote social inclusion and equity.

 

Fifth, Somalia has faced significant challenges in developing its infrastructure due to decades of civil war, political instability, and economic difficulties. However, in recent years, the Somali government has been making efforts to rebuild and modernize its infrastructure, with the support of various international partners, including China and the US.

 

China has played a significant role in financing and building infrastructure projects in Somalia, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative. In 2017, China and Somalia signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on infrastructure development, with China pledging to provide funding and technical support for projects in sectors such as energy, transportation, and telecommunications. China has also provided equipment and materials for infrastructure projects in Somalia, such as the construction of roads, ports, and airports.

 

The US has also been involved in infrastructure development in Somalia, particularly in the area of airport modernization. In 2014, the US government announced a $50 million program to improve aviation safety and security in Somalia, with a focus on upgrading the country's two main airports in Mogadishu and Hargeisa. The program included the construction of new runways, terminals, and other facilities, as well as training for airport staff and security personnel.

 

Other countries and international organizations have also provided support for infrastructure development in Somalia. For example, the European Union has funded various projects aimed at improving road infrastructure and connectivity in the country, while the African Development Bank has provided financing for the rehabilitation of key ports and the construction of new port facilities.

 

Despite these efforts, however, Somalia still faces significant challenges in developing its infrastructure, particularly in rural areas and regions affected by conflict and insecurity. The Somali government and its international partners will need to continue working together to overcome these challenges and ensure that all Somalis have access to the infrastructure they need to thrive and succeed.

 

Nepal's leaders should know that they have failed their country and their people. Despite being blessed with abundant natural resources and a rich cultural heritage, Nepal has lagged behind in development due to the incompetence, corruption, and greed of its leaders. For over 30 years since the restoration of democracy, Nepali leaders have wasted valuable time bickering among themselves, indulging in identity politics, and lining their pockets with public funds.

Nepali leaders must take a hard look at themselves and their actions. They must be held accountable for their failures and take responsibility for their actions. It's time for them to step up and make the necessary changes to propel Nepal forward.

Nepal's leaders must feel the shame of their failures and take action to correct their mistakes. They must prioritize the needs of their citizens and work towards the development and prosperity of Nepal. The time for excuses is over, and the future of Nepal depends on the actions of its leaders today. (Photo Credit: ISS) 

 

My book