While discussions of fundraising rounds typically bypass the country, its growing potential within its borders should not be ignored. The tech scene in Somalia might be small on the global stage today, but a transformational foundation has been set up based on activities that have been taking place there.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Somalia have launched an ambitious solar minigrids program to increase access to electricity in the country. The Somalia project of the Africa Minigrids Program will bring new development opportunities to rural communities while contributing to putting the country on a sustainable development.

Somalia is about to get its first hybrid solar PV plant in the city of Baidoa with some help from the World Bank’s MIGA programme. Kube Energy is developing the project in collaboration with the government of the South West Sate of Somalia. It will be financed and developed in partnership with CrossBoundary Energy

Thanks to the Integrated Land and Water Resources Management project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Somalian residents can maintain their livelihoods in a region affected by an increasing frequency of droughts and floods.

A team of high-level officials and the World Health Organisation recently teamed up to assess and address the effects of the ongoing drought in Somalia. Following this, the team successfully rehabilitated two water pumps, providing 19,716 people with access to clean water.

The ‘Tadamon’ programme contributes to the immediate and medium-term efforts to combat the negative impacts of COVID-19 on the Somalia/Somaliland economy. Health and education sectors are prioritised – 90 healthcare workers will receive short vocational courses to gain skills surrounding emergencies and COVID-19.