By Zamzam Daqare - Reporter
Mogadishu, 29 August 2026 - The International Fund for Agricultural Development has launched a $31.22 million programme to strengthen rural livelihoods in Somalia, its first project since Somalia regained full access to financing.
The Rural Livelihoods Resilience Programme was launched in Mogadishu to support agricultural production, food security and rural communities, IFAD Regional Director for Near East, North Africa, Europe and Central Asia Naoufel Telahigue said.
Telahigue said IFAD financing for Somalia rose from $10 million to more than $100 million in recent years.
"Less than three years ago Somalia was dealing with arrears, and today it is a country contributing to IFAD," Telahigue said, thanking Somalia for its contribution to the IFAD14 replenishment.
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Future cooperation will be guided by IFAD's Country Strategic Opportunities Programme, which runs until 2030 and aligns with Somalia's National Transformation Plan and Vision 2060, he said.
Agriculture Minister Mohamed Khair Maareeye said the government will provide financial contributions annually over the next three years as part of IFAD resources directed to countries in need.
IFAD said the programme aims to support more than 125,000 rural households and mobilize more than $100 million in investment for agriculture and the rural economy.