The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) and the Ministry of Finance have jointly launched a key initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s capacity to respond to emergencies and natural disasters.

The project, known as the Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (Cat DDO), is supported by the World Bank and seeks to strengthen the government’s institutional and financial preparedness to manage crises before they escalate into large-scale displacement or loss of life and property.

The launch event was attended by SoDMA Commissioner Mahamuud Moalim Abdulle, Director General of the Ministry of Finance Sulaiman, and other senior federal officials.

Commissioner Mahamuud Moalim emphasized the importance of the project, noting that it comes at a time when humanitarian funding is declining globally. He added that the initiative will help build Somalia’s resilience and adaptive capacity to future disasters.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing disaster financing programs and deepening partnerships with the World Bank and other development partners to safeguard communities and sustain national development.