Somalia and Qatar have inked a multi-million-dollar deal that will see the gulf country fund projects and build roads linking the capital Mogadishu and the Lower Shabelle regions. The $200 million infrastructure deal will open numerous job opportunities for Somali citizens especially the youth who are prone to joining radical groups like al Shabaab and ISIS.
The Qatari delegation led by the Qatar Investment Authority chief operating officer Khalif Jassim al-Kuwari signed the deal Tuesday in Mogadishu with Prime Minister Hassan Khaire. Planning Minister Gamal Hassan said the funds will aid in revamping the country’s infrastructure and spur economic growth and job creation.
The deal will be very beneficial to the people of Somalia as it will improve the education, transport sector, grow the economy while at the same time spurring economic growth and job creation.
The projects include the reconstruction of the 90km road linking Mogadishu and Jowhar as well as Afgoye in the Lower Shabelle region. The project is a significant investment move in Somalia by Qatar following in the footsteps of Turkey which has invested in infrastructure projects such as the refurbishing of the Aden Adde Airport and roads in Mogadishu.
Somalia’s president has been seeking funds from countries in the Arab League as well as other lifelong allies to ensure that the nation will have infrastructure put in place upon the defeat of al Shabaab. Likewise, the funding Somalia is getting will make sure that the local youth and citizens have the economic stability that reduces the likelihood of radicalization and hopelessness.
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