Published on 04/12/2023
World Bank’s projection of Somalia’s economic growth in 2023 has been cut down from 3.6% to a revised 2.8%. This is due to several reasons. However, the World Bank placed a huge emphasis on Somalia’s water system.
- The World Bank has revised Somalia’s growth projection from 3.6% to 2.8%.
- Several factors have contributed to the growth projection decline, including water.
- The country was granted entry into the East African bloc a few days ago.
The Bank says in its latest (eighth) edition of Somalia Economic Update that the country is still vulnerable to shocks from over-reliance on external trade and financing, limited economic diversification, and susceptibility to natural disasters.
“The World Bank projects that the economy will record a modest growth of 2.8 percent in 2023. The projected growth in 2023 has been revised downward by 0.8 percentage point compared to the 2022 Somalia Economic Update (World Bank 2022).”
The economy is projected to pick up over the medium term as economic activities gain momentum, with growth expected to increase gradually to 3.7 percent and 3.9 percent in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
However, the recovery is still expected to be tempered by the legacy of past shocks, including the drought, disruption of grain supplies from Ukraine, and the global pandemic. These shocks have worsened poverty and triggered the cost-of-living surges.
According to the Bank, recurrent climate-related shocks, such as cycles of drought, floods, locusts infestation, higher international commodity prices, as well as increased insecurity and conflict, have interrupted the country’s growth trajectory.
Ending the isolation
But this has not affected the country’s commitment to continue advancing reforms to strengthen key economic institutions and promote macroeconomic stability and recovery.
The Bank acknowledges Somalia’s continued progress toward meeting the conditions for achieving the High Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Completion Point in December 2023.
Somalia, was on November 23, admitted into the East African Community (EAC) after several decades of civil war, violent extremism and isolation, becoming the eighth member of the regional economic bloc.
The admission ushers in a new era for Somalia to reconstruct its broken ties with the regional and global partners.
Negotiations culminating in the admission of Somalia in the EAC started in August this year in Nairobi.
According to the EAC Secretariat, Somalia’s inclusion brings over 3,000km of coastline – the longest in Africa – giving access to the Arabian Peninsula and to boost trade when EAC member states tap into Somalia’s blue economy resources such as abundant fish (tuna).
On the other hand, Somalia is expected to benefit from the EAC’s road, rail, and energy networks, in addition to enhanced trade with the regional peers.
The World Bank notes that as Somalia reaches the HIPC Completion Point, it is important that the country continues its reform path to achieve an inclusive economic growth and prosperity to avoid sinking into future debt in the medium term and post-HIPC era.
“Over the medium term, peace dividends and unlocked concessional borrowing after debt relief will boost output growth,” the bank says.
Somalia has remained on a strong economic reform path despite the various global and exogenous shocks that have continued to buffet the economy.
Somalia’s economic growth slowed significantly in 2022 as surging inflation and weaker external demand weighed on global activity, with tighter global financial conditions and a pronounced rise in global inflation holding back private consumption and investment.
Somalia’s economic hindrances
The World Bank’s projection of growth decline in the East African country is predicated on the country’s lack of economic diversification, low resistance to natural disasters, and a heavy dependence on foreign aid and businesses.
However, the World Bank’s report titled, Integrating Climate Change with Somalia’s Development: The Case for Water, also made mention of the importance of water to the country’s economy. The report denotes that access to water could be the difference in households absorbing economic shocks or being completely affected.
“Water insecurity, including exposure to floods and droughts, is amplified by environmental degradation, deforestation, and climate change,” said Chantal Richey, World Bank Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist. “Managing water better is critical for helping Somalia cope with climate variability and economic shocks, particularly from floods and droughts.”
The report notes that the country’s vulnerability to climate change, highlights the need for it to develop a better water management system.
“To build a strong economy, Somalia must have fair and effective policies and regulations for managing water resources. This means making sure everyone has access to water and reducing conflict around water. By giving water a top priority in economic plans and decisions, Somalia can create a sustainable and prosperous future,” the report reads.
“Water holds the key to Somalia’s economic resilience and growth. The integration of climate change considerations into the country’s growth agenda is essential for navigating the challenges posed by water scarcity and climate variability,” the report adds.
“Formerly comprised of 7 member states, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan, Somalia on Friday, November 24th, became its eighth member. Following a year of deliberation by the other heads of state, Somalia was finally admitted into the bloc, after the regional event; the 23rd ordinary summit of the heads of state held in Arusha, Tanzania.”
