BAKU, Azerbaijan (Horn post) Somalia’s Minister of Finance, Bihi Iman Egeh, chaired a high-level meeting focused on strengthening resilience against disasters and crises in the Horn of Africa, held on the sidelines of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Annual Meetings in Baku.
The meeting brought together senior officials and development partners to discuss urgent challenges facing the region, including climate-related disasters, economic shocks and humanitarian vulnerabilities across the Horn of Africa.
Officials said the discussions focused on developing scalable development projects, expanding access to financing and strengthening regional cooperation to improve disaster preparedness and recovery mechanisms.
Participants emphasized the importance of accelerating climate adaptation programs, supporting rapid recovery for communities affected by crises, and enhancing joint financing and coordination among international development institutions.
Somalia and Islamic Development Bank Sign Strategic Partnership Framework (2026–2028)
On the sidelines of the meetings, Somalia’s Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh and Islamic Development Bank President Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser signed the Country Engagement Framework (CEF) 2026–2028, a three-year strategic cooperation agreement guiding development financing between Somalia and the IsDB.
The framework, valued at $45 million, underscores the Islamic Development Bank’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s national development priorities in line with the country’s National Development Plan and long-term economic growth goals.
The agreement focuses on two key pillars:
Development of resilient infrastructure, particularly in the energy and agriculture sectors, aimed at boosting productivity, accelerating economic growth and reducing poverty.
Human capital development, including investment in healthcare services, vocational training, skills development and workforce capacity building, with a focus on empowering women and youth.
Minister Egeh said the agreement marks a significant step in strengthening Somalia’s partnership with the Islamic Development Bank and will unlock new financing opportunities for development projects that directly improve citizens’ livelihoods.
He added that the framework will play a critical role in supporting Somalia’s efforts to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy.
Minister Visits Somali Embassy in Azerbaijan
Following the conclusion of the IsDB meetings, Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh paid a courtesy visit to the Somali Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he was warmly received by Ambassador Abdinur Dahir Fiidoow.
The ambassador welcomed the minister and his delegation, praising Somalia’s active engagement in international development forums and strengthening diplomatic relations with partner countries.
The visit concluded Somalia’s participation in the annual Islamic Development Bank meetings, which focused heavily on regional cooperation, financial resilience and sustainable development strategies.
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Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Mogadishu, Somalia
