The Somalia and Yemen Development Program (SYDP)

The Federal Republic of Somalia and Republic of Yemen are facing a number of challenges that impact negatively on their respective employment generation and poverty alleviation programmes.

In this regard, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) organised a Special Capacity Building Program for Somalia and Yemen hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 13-14 August 2017 in Abu Dhabi.

The focus of the training program was on Cooperative Banking and Artisanal Fisheries. The fisheries sector represents an important source of income, contributing to job creation, food security and poverty alleviation in both Yemen and Somalia. There is also the need for adequate financial services which could influence the development of artisanal fisheries and promote access to appropriate banking services.

The Somalia-Yemen Development Program brought together experts and officials from Somalia and Yemen, as well as IORA Member States and Dialogue Partners with a view to :

• To promote the sharing of knowledge and best practices of IORA Member States in Somalia/Yemen;
  
  
• To integrate the less privileged and marginalized communities of Somalia/Yemen; and,
  
  
• To enhance the capacity for human development in Somalia/Yemen.