On the 10th September 2019, the Government of Somaliland signed an agreement with the UK and Netherland governments on the implementation of Phase II of the Somaliland Development Fund (SDF2) programme. The signing ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa and was attended by Damon Bristow, the Head of Office for the UK’s Department of International Development (DFID), Dutch counterparts and President Muse Bihi.

The first phase of the Somaliland Development Fund was implemented from 2013 to 2018. The aim was to provide a single vehicle through which donors can support Somaliland’s development goals, supporting projects that are fully aligned to the National Development Plan. This new SDF2 programme will build on the achievements of the original SDF (2013-2018) programme. From the main website:

SDF2 was conceived as an inclusive economic development programme. It supports the Government of Somaliland in delivering infrastructure that is relevant for inclusive economic development. It focuses on sustainable investments that spur job creation and fast growth, while at the same time laying the foundation for long-term resilience and development, leading to a more stable and peaceful Somaliland. SDF2’s ambitions are fully aligned with the NDP2 2017-2022 and reflect the priorities set out in Somaliland Vision 2030.

Read more about the UK press release here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-government-signs-agreements-worth-31m-to-support-development-in-somaliland

We will be adding our thoughts and more analysis on the impact of SDFI – was the money adequately spent in the past 5 years? How can things be improved? Was there or is there enough accountability/transparency?