The Government of Somalia is prioritizing capacity building in procurement, financial management, disbursement, and anti-corruption to improve the performance of African Development Bank-funded projects. This initiative aims to strengthen the effectiveness of implementing agencies and increase disbursement rates across the country’s development portfolio.
The 2025 Somalia Country Portfolio Performance Review was held over a week in Nairobi and concluded on July 17. The review focused on addressing delivery challenges within the Bank’s active portfolio in Somalia, which comprises 22 projects valued at $245.7 million. Government officials highlighted the need for enhanced project management and deeper engagement between Somalia and the African Development Bank to reverse declining portfolio performance.
Participants included representatives from Somali government executing and implementing agencies, civil society, development partners, and Bank staff. The review was followed by a two-day fiduciary clinic aimed at improving technical capacity in key areas such as procurement, disbursement, and anti-corruption compliance. This engagement also allowed implementing units to directly interact with Bank officials and share experiences.
Somalia, a member of the African Development Bank since 1964, has received support for 69 projects totaling around $698.95 million. The current portfolio prioritizes infrastructure development—particularly in transport, energy, and water—alongside agriculture, social sectors, and financial systems. This was the first dedicated country portfolio performance review held since 2023 and incorporated the Bank’s revised project implementation guidelines adopted in 2024.
