By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Jigjiga (Dawan Africa) — The President of the Somali Regional State (DDS), Mustafe Mohamed Omar, met with a delegation from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, on June 18, 2025, to strengthen cooperation on key investment opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and industrial sectors. The discussions, held in Jigjiga, focused on driving sustainable economic growth and creating employment opportunities for the region.
The IFC delegation was led by Jumoke Jagun-Dokunmu, Head of Investment and Regional Director for Disaster Risk Management, Resilience, and Response at IFC. A major highlight of the meeting was the in-depth discussion on the Malkaadiida Agricultural Project in the Dolo-Ado district of the Somali region in Ethiopia, which is being financed by the IFC.
The Malkaadiida Agricultural Project is a pivotal initiative aimed at generating significant economic opportunities for both the local population and refugees residing in Dolo-Ado, with a total investment of $13 million. The project will employ modern agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices to develop 1,000 hectares of irrigated land, with the goal of enhancing food security for a market of 400,000 people, 40% of whom are refugees.
The project will operate under the IFC's Environmental and Social Performance Standards, ensuring that environmental and community risks are addressed. It is set to run from 2024 to 2027, focusing on mitigating climate-related challenges and creating lasting benefits for the region’s population.
