# World Bank-Funded Hargeisa Project: Credit Attribution Examined

> Wardheer News examines credit dispute as federal minister touts World Bank-funded Hargeisa project.

- By: Editorial Team, Somali Construction Review (https://somaliconstructionreview.com/about)
- Published: 30 September 2026
- Format: News story (reported from one named public source)
- Publication: Somali Construction Review (https://somaliconstructionreview.com)
- Subject: Business and Costs
- Tags: procurement, tender-evaluation, construction-risk
- Web version: https://somaliconstructionreview.com/blog/hargeisa-world-bank-credit-attribution

## Key points

- Somalia's federal minister announced a design and technical studies agreement for a Hargeisa infrastructure project, presenting it as a federal initiative, according to Wardheer News.
- Wardheer News reports the project is part of the World Bank-financed Nagaad (SURP-II) programme, with dedicated local implementation structures and federal units in support roles.
- The report questions the federal government's credit claim, noting Somaliland's separate administrative institutions and the World Bank's direct financing allocation.

Somalia's Federal Minister of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing, Ayuub Ismail Yusuf, announced the signing of an agreement for the design and technical studies of a major infrastructure project in Hargeisa, according to Wardheer News. The minister presented the project as part of the Federal Government's broader programme to develop roads and urban infrastructure across Somalia.

But Wardheer News reports that the Hargeisa investment is part of the World Bank-financed Nagaad Project, and the World Bank's additional financing framework identifies Hargeisa as a beneficiary city. The publication states that the additional financing includes US$20 million for urban infrastructure and US$1 million for urban analytics, with additional resources for project management and institutional capacity.

The World Bank framework provides for a dedicated Project Implementation Unit in Hargeisa to oversee procurement, implementation, day-to-day supervision and monitoring, according to Wardheer News. The Federal Project Coordination Unit has a supporting and backstopping role, while an inter-ministerial steering mechanism for Somaliland is responsible for strategic oversight and guidance. UNOPS is identified as a technical partner for engineering and supervision of civil works.

Minister Ayuub said the project will eventually cover approximately 45 kilometres of roads, divided into two phases, as reported by Wardheer News. The first phase is expected to include approximately 23 kilometres of roads within Hargeisa. The minister identified Buundaweyn, or the Great Bridge, as an important component of the first phase and put the cost of its rehabilitation or modernization at approximately US$20 million.

Wardheer News states that World Bank documentation identifies US$20 million for Hargeisa urban infrastructure investments overall. The publication does not confirm whether that figure is separate from the minister's Buundaweyn cost estimate.

Nagaad is the Somali name associated with the Somalia Urban Resilience Project Phase II (SURP-II), a World Bank-supported programme designed to strengthen urban infrastructure and municipal service delivery. The programme has operated across several Somali cities, with implementation arrangements adapted to the institutional and administrative circumstances of each location, according to Wardheer News.

The publication notes that Somaliland's political and administrative institutions operate separately from the Federal Government in Mogadishu. If the World Bank provides the financing, Hargeisa has a dedicated implementation structure, and federal institutions perform coordination or support functions, Wardheer News reported.

The report does not establish the name of the counterparty to the design agreement, contract value, contractor, consultant, start date, or completion date. It also does not confirm whether funds have been disbursed or construction has started.

## Questions

### What are the actual funding sources for the Hargeisa project?

According to Wardheer News, the project is part of the World Bank-financed Nagaad Project, with additional financing including US$20 million for urban infrastructure and US$1 million for urban analytics.

### Is the federal government's claim of ownership supported by documentation?

Wardheer News reports the World Bank framework provides for a dedicated Project Implementation Unit in Hargeisa, with federal units in supporting roles, contradicting the federal ownership claim.

### Who are the implementing agencies and contractors involved?

A dedicated Project Implementation Unit in Hargeisa oversees implementation. UNOPS is identified as a technical partner for engineering and supervision, but no contractor is named for the studies or works.

### What are the implications of misattribution for future donor engagement?

Wardheer News notes that Somaliland's institutions operate separately from the federal government, making credit claims politically sensitive and potentially affecting donor perceptions.

## Sources

- [Who Owns the Credit? Minister Presents World Bank–Funded Hargeisa Project as a Federal Government Initiative](https://wardheernews.com/who-owns-the-credit-minister-presents-world-bank-funded-hargeisa-project-as-a-federal-government-initiative/) — Wardheer News, 2026-08-08