The Stop-Work Order issued by the Trump Administration has significantly affected numerous USAID-supported projects, including key economic growth initiatives for marginalized communities in Somalia. One such initiative, the Inclusive Resilience in Somalia (IRiS) program, aimed to enhance economic resilience across vital sectors such as agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. As a consortium partner, SATG played a crucial role in implementing agricultural activities under this five-year project.

Over the past two years, SATG has made substantial progress in strengthening Somalia’s agricultural sector.

Notably, we supported the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in formalizing the Somali Agricultural Regulatory and Inspection Services (SARIS) authority and establishing key legal frameworks for seed, agro-chemicals, and plant protection. Additionally, SATG collaborated with emerging private sector institutions, including seed companies, sesame exporters, and grain traders, to enhance agricultural productivity and market access.

Planned activities for 2025 included supporting agricultural cooperatives, developing policies, and establishing associations for seed production and oil processing industries. However, just as we were celebrating our achievements and strategically planning for the next phase, the Stop-Work Order abruptly forced us to halt our operations.

We deeply regret the disruption caused by this decision, particularly its impact on our dedicated staff and stakeholders. This experience serves as a valuable lesson for SATG, reinforcing the need for adaptability and resilience in the face of external challenges.

We remain committed to advancing Somalia’s agricultural sector and will continue exploring opportunities to support sustainable development despite this setback.

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