By Maher Ahmed - Reporter
This week’s developments point to gradual but tangible progress in Somalia’s business and economic landscape. Reforms in aviation safety, new infrastructure financing, tighter financial controls, and investments in essential services collectively signal a push toward stabilisation and improved investor confidence, even as structural challenges persist.
Somalia Business Highlights (11–18 January 2026)
Somalia to Undergo First ICAO Safety Audit in 2026
Somalia is preparing for its first-ever safety audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2026, a major milestone for the country’s aviation sector. Officials say the audit will assess regulatory oversight, operational safety, and compliance with international aviation standards. The move is expected to enhance confidence among airlines, insurers, and passengers, while supporting Somalia’s ambition to modernise air transport and improve connectivity.
African Development Bank Approves $76.37 Million for Road Upgrades
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The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $76.37 million financing facility to upgrade key highways in Somalia. The project aims to improve transport efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen trade links with neighbouring countries, particularly Kenya and Ethiopia. Improved road infrastructure is expected to support domestic commerce, facilitate humanitarian access, and boost regional integration.
Somalia Caps Dollar Cash Exports
Somalia has announced a cap on dollar cash exports, limiting transfers to $15 million per bank. Financial authorities say the policy is designed to curb capital outflows, strengthen foreign exchange reserves, and stabilise the Somali shilling amid persistent inflationary and currency pressures. Analysts note that the measure reflects broader efforts to tighten financial oversight and reinforce confidence in the formal banking system.
$17 Million Water Access Project Launched
International partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), are backing a $17 million project to expand access to clean water across parts of Somalia. The initiative is expected to improve public health outcomes, enhance agricultural productivity, and support rural livelihoods—key enablers for long-term economic activity and social stability.
