PROJECT

Projects

Summary of Advisory Services Project Information

Project Number

608925

Primary Business Area

Financial Institutions Group

Disclosure Date

Sep 1, 2025

Country

Federal Republic of Somalia

Region

Africa

IFC Approval Date

Mar 11, 2025

Status

Active

Estimated Total Budget

$750,000.00
(Project budget includes all project-funded activities)

Last Updated Date

Sep 3, 2025

Project Estimated Start Date

May 1, 2025

Project Estimated End Date

Apr 30, 2028

Project Description

A significant portion of the Somali population relies on remittances, estimated at $1.2 billion annually, which constitutes about one-third of the country's GDP and surpasses aid and foreign direct investment combined. Domestic credit to the Somaliland’s economy heavily relies on remittances, which account for $1.3 billion annually (37% of GDP) and serve as a vital income source for up to 50% of the population, surpassing aid and foreign direct investment combined. Despite strides in digitization, with 70% of adults using e-money daily, access to credit remains limited, with domestic credit to the private sector at just 3.2% of GDP. MSMEs face significant barriers due to lack of collateral, formal records, and financial tools, while the financial sector struggles with inadequate credit information-sharing systems and reliance on informal processes. However, the widespread use of mobile money and remittance data presents an opportunity to develop innovative, data-driven solutions to address information asymmetry, enhance credit underwriting, and expand financial inclusion for underserved segments. This project aims to support the Bank of Somaliland in establishing a credit infrastructure ecosystem [that is, Credit Information System (CIS) and a Secured Transactions and Collateral Registry (STCR)], enhancing the legal and regulatory framework, and building stakeholder capacity. It will explore alternative data for credit decision-making and portfolio monitoring, contributing to a more robust financial sector, greater access to credit, and economic growth in Somaliland.

Development Results

E&S Risks / Impacts and Mitigation