MOGADISHU (SD)-Minister of Planning and Investment of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), Mr. Mahamoud Abdirahman Beenabeene, and Minister of Finance of the FGS, Mr. Bihi Iman Egeh, signed an important agreement for $68.5M towards development efforts.

Minister of Planning, Mr. Mahamoud Abdirahman Beenabeene, expressed his gratitude and highlighted that the majority of the grant will be used by the government to develop healthcare, education, and good governance in areas freed from Al-Shabaab control.

Minister of Finance, Mr. Bihi Iman Egeh, also thanked USAID and urged the Somali people to pay their taxes to reduce dependency on foreign aid.

Catie Lott, head of the USAID office in Somalia, stated that this grant reflects the strong partnership between the U.S. and Somalia.

This agreement signed today by the Somali and U.S. governments aims to create stability and future development for urban and rural communities by improving their essential services.