By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
United States, 18 April 2026 Somalia is seeking financial support from international partners to address economic pressures caused by drought and tensions in the Middle East, the finance minister said in a video statement released on Saturday.
Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh said Somali officials held meetings in Washington with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during the Spring Meetings to discuss the country’s economic priorities.
“We focused on addressing the impact of drought and the economic pressures resulting from the conflict in the Middle East,” he said.
Somalia has been facing recurring drought conditions that have affected livelihoods and humanitarian needs, alongside broader global economic pressures.
Egeh said Somalia is seeking increased investment in infrastructure and social support programmes.
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“We are working with partners to mobilise financing to support vulnerable communities, including food security,” he added.
The minister said discussions with the World Bank and IMF also covered public financial management reforms, including efforts to improve transparency and increase domestic revenue.
He the financial institutions acknowledged progress in economic reforms despite external challenges.
The minister said talks werw also held with several countries, including the United States, Britain, Norway and Saudi Arabia, on strengthening economic cooperation.
Somalia remains reliant on external support as it faces combined challenges from climate shocks and global economic pressures.