AfDB Launches $19 Million Disaster Resilience Project in Somalia

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The African Development Bank (AfDB) has launched a new phase of the Africa Disaster Risk Financing Programme (ADRiFi) in Somalia, backed by nearly $19 million to strengthen the country’s capacity to prepare for and respond to climate-related disasters.

The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) and the Ministry of Finance, will focus on improving Somalia’s ability to manage the growing risks posed by climate change.

The programme will particularly target preparedness and resilience against recurrent droughts, floods and other climate-related shocks that have severely affected pastoralist and farming communities across the country.

AfDB said the financing forms part of broader efforts to strengthen community and institutional resilience and improve Somalia’s capacity to respond to future climate emergencies.

The programme is also expected to support disaster preparedness and early-warning systems, while strengthening mechanisms for assisting vulnerable communities during droughts, floods and other emergencies.

AfDB, SoDMA and the Ministry of Finance will jointly implement the initiative, with further details expected on the financing timeline, priority areas and the number of people who will directly benefit.

Somalia remains highly exposed to recurring climate shocks, making stronger disaster-risk financing, early-warning systems and preparedness mechanisms increasingly important in reducing the humanitarian and economic impact of future emergencies.