Today, the Somali Minister of Planning, Investment and Economic Development, Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah “Beene-Beene” and Somali Minister of Finance, Bihi Iman Egeh and the U. S. Charge d’Affaires to Somalia Shane Dixon signed an agreement between the United States and Somalia for $92.6 million in development assistance.
“This grant agreement reflects the heart of U.S.-Somalia collaboration: building resilience and stability, stimulating economic growth, enhancing governance, and empowering the future leaders, the women, and youth of Somalia,” said Charge Dixon at the signing ceremony.
The agreement outlines how USAID will use the $92.6 million in development support to help Somalia build long-term resilience and stability, economic growth, governance improvements, opportunities for women and youth, and crucial health and education services. This support builds on nearly 17 years of foreign assistance from the American people to Somalia.
Through U.S. government development assistance, more than 150,000 Somali children will access accelerated basic education (ABE) programs, and government capacity is strengthened to effectively oversee ABE instruction. Over 200 classrooms and other facilities are being rehabilitated to increase access to education for an additional 10,000 students every year. Young Somali women are benefiting from savings and civic groups that create economic opportunities and social networks. Local governments and communities are implementing better governance practices and safety conditions to drive long-term stability. Rural households and Somalis in urban areas will also benefit from robust economic and agricultural resilience programs, which will increase economic opportunities for many Somalis.
For further information, please contact: Danielle Botti, Senior Development Outreach Communications (DOC) Specialist, +254 708 984 169, dbotti@usaid.gov