In brief
- Global Construction Review reported on 2014-01-15 that Somalia was experiencing a surge in building projects after 21 years without a functioning state.
- A new steel-and-glass terminal at Aden Adde International Airport was planned to open in summer 2014, funded by Turkish airport operator Favori.
- The report does not establish whether the planned terminal opened, or what has happened to those projects since January 2014.
On 15 January 2014, Global Construction Review reported a surge in building projects in Somalia, after the country went 21 years without a functioning state following the overthrow of President Siad Barre's government in 1991.
The report described a construction sector attracting regional investors from Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia, joined by investors from India, Egypt and China. More than 20 countries had reopened embassies in Somalia, according to Global Construction Review.
A key focus was Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu. The existing terminal, as described by Global Construction Review, was a two-storey concrete block with capacity to handle 15 aircraft. A modern steel-and-glass terminal with taxiways and stands for 60 airliners was planned to open in summer 2014, if all went to plan, according to Turkish media cited by Global Construction Review. The report stated that Turkish airport operator Favori was funding the reconstruction of Aden Adde.
Global Construction Review also reported that in October of the previous year, the government launched the $2.5bn Somalia Development and Reconstruction Facility, which coordinates the spending of international donors. The figure is the facility's size, not actual spending.
The report attributed Somalia's improved fortunes in part to a radical improvement in its security situation in 2012. BBC Africa editor Mary Harper, quoted by Global Construction Review, said Turkey's presence on the ground without personnel being killed or kidnapped showed how the security situation had changed.
The report also noted ongoing security incidents. Four people were killed in a gun battle between Islamic militants and government forces in Mogadishu on 12 January, the same day that two Kenyan engineers were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in another part of the city, according to Global Construction Review.
The 2014 report does not establish what has happened since. It does not confirm whether the planned modern terminal at Aden Adde International Airport opened in summer 2014 or ever. It does not quantify the surge in building projects beyond general statements, nor does it verify whether the security improvement was sustained.
Global Construction Review also reported that Turkish firms expected contracts in the coming year to build mega shopping malls, manufacturing outlets, petrol stations and housing, but the report does not state whether such contracts were signed.
Frequently asked questions
What sectors were driving the surge in building projects in Somalia in 2014?
Global Construction Review reported that Turkish firms expected contracts to build mega shopping malls, manufacturing outlets, petrol stations and housing, and that the airport reconstruction was underway.
Who were the main investors mentioned?
Regional investors from Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia were joined by investors from India, Egypt and China, according to Global Construction Review.
What were the key challenges?
Security remained a challenge; the report noted a gun battle killing four people and the kidnapping of two Kenyan engineers in Mogadishu on 12 January 2014.