By Judith Ugwumadu | 16 September 2013

The UK will spend a further £50m to help boost Somalia’s economy and create jobs, as it recovers from 20 years of civil war. 

International Development Secretary Justine Greening told The New Deal for Somalia conference, held in Brussels, that the UK would support Somalia with: £15m for its health system; £5m for safe water; £5m for a programme to research and improve how financial services operate in South Central Somalia; and £25m to support Somalia’s economic recovery plan. 

The package of support comes as Somalia’s government agreed its first strategy to coordinate development and plan a more peaceful future, the Department for International Development said.   

During the conference, Greening called on other countries to follow the UK’s lead and support Somalia’s own plans for its future reconstruction. The Brussels meeting will set out key priorities and new support for the reconstruction of Somalia over the next three years. 

Greening said Britain was already forging a new and special relationship with Somalia.

She continued: ‘It is right that we help Somalia to get back on its feet and stop the country falling back into the arms of terrorism, famine and insecurity.’ 

‘This new roadmap for construction is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support Somalia’s plans for a safer and more prosperous future. We must give ordinary Somalis the support they need to make this a reality,’ Greening added. 

Today’s pledge comes in addition to the departments existing annual £80m programme in the country.