Somalia Leads Regional Push For Infrastructure at IMF-World Bank Meetings

GOOBJOOOG NEWS | WASHINGTON: Somalia led calls for stronger regional cooperation on infrastructure development as it chaired a meeting of Horn of Africa finance ministers, aiming to boost trade and economic growth across the region.

Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh presided over the 28th Horn of Africa Cooperation Forum meeting, held on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., where ministers discussed ways to accelerate major infrastructure projects and improve connectivity.

Somalia used the platform to emphasise the importance of coordinated investment in trade corridors, transport networks and cross-border systems, positioning infrastructure as central to regional integration and economic recovery.

The discussions focused on overcoming financing gaps and implementation challenges that have slowed progress on key projects across the Horn of Africa.

For Somalia, the engagement reflects growing efforts to reassert its role in regional economic cooperation following years of conflict, as the government works to rebuild institutions and attract investment into critical sectors.

The talks come amid broader efforts by countries in the region to address longstanding infrastructure deficits that have constrained trade and increased costs, with support from international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Officials said enhanced coordination could help unlock investment, strengthen trade links and support long-term economic stability, with Somalia positioning itself as an active player in shaping the region’s development agenda.