Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – The Deputy Minister of Finance of the Federal Government of Somalia, Abdiqafar Ilmi Haange, has provided key insights into the official visit to Mogadishu by Dr. Zarau Wendeline, the Director of the Africa Regional Office of the World Bank. Dr. Wendeline oversees operations in 22 African nations, including Somalia.
During a press briefing, Deputy Minister Haange emphasized the significance of the two-day visit, noting that Dr. Wendeline will be engaging in high-level meetings with senior officials from Somalia’s financial institutions. The visit includes discussions with the leadership of the Ministry of Finance and other key stakeholders, alongside an on-the-ground assessment of the country’s financial systems and programs supported by the World Bank.
Minister Haange highlighted Dr. Wendeline’s instrumental role in the debt relief process that Somalia successfully completed. “Dr. Wendeline has been a steadfast partner and a key advocate during the debt forgiveness journey. Thanks to the support of the World Bank and other international partners, Somalia is gradually emerging from the legacy of debt distress,” he said during an interview with Somali National TV.
He further elaborated on the scope of the World Bank’s ongoing commitment to Somalia. “The Bank currently funds various development projects across the country, contributing an estimated $2 billion. In addition to project funding, the World Bank continues to support us through budgetary assistance, even as Somalia works towards achieving economic self-reliance.”
According to Minister Haange, the focus of the current discussions will include planning for the next five years of cooperation between Somalia and the World Bank. “We have ambitious development goals, and the World Bank has acknowledged our progress—particularly the way we’ve met the stringent requirements for debt relief.”
The Deputy Minister also underlined the symbolic and strategic importance of Dr. Wendeline’s visit. “For Somalia—a nation on the path to economic recovery—this visit is a strong signal of international confidence. It marks a new chapter in our partnership and a renewed focus on growth, development, and sustainability.”
Dr. Zarau Wendeline, who arrived in Mogadishu yesterday, is also expected to hold meetings with Somali business leaders. These discussions aim to explore how the private sector can further benefit from World Bank-supported development initiatives and investment projects.
The visit reflects growing international engagement with Somalia as it continues to rebuild its institutions and economic foundations, with the support of key development partners like the World Bank.