A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been sealed between Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) with UNDP to enhance water security and rural development in Somalia.
The MoU was inked during the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum by Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of SFD, and Haoliang Xu, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator. The signing was attended by Owais Haji Yusuf Ahmed, Somalia’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
The MoU focuses on implementing a grant under the fifth phase of the Saudi Program for Drilling Wells and Rural Development in Africa. The program’s goal is to improve access to clean water in rural Somalia by drilling wells and setting up solar-powered water supply networks. This initiative aims to provide safe drinking water, address desertification, improve food security, and support agricultural growth. It is also expected to help reduce the spread of diseases linked to contaminated water sources.
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Supporting water access
The Saudi Fund for Development has played a key role in supporting water access across Africa. Over 10,000 wells have been drilled in 21 African nations, benefiting more than 5 million people. The total funding for this initiative has reached $330 million, aimed at mitigating the effects of drought in vulnerable rural areas.
Since 1977, Saudi Arabia has provided financial assistance to Somalia through SFD, funding seven major development projects. The total value of these projects exceeds $100 million, including concessional loans and grants. The projects have focused on key sectors such as water, education, agriculture, industry, and mining, contributing to Somalia’s social infrastructure and rural development.
