In Somalia’s drought-prone landscape, access to safe and reliable water remains one of the most urgent development challenges, shaping livelihoods, food security, and community resilience. In recent years, the partnership between the United Nations Development Programme and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has emerged as a key driver of practical, scalable solutions to this challenge. Through joint investments in solar-powered water infrastructure and community-based resource management, such as the current borehole project, the collaboration is delivering immediate relief to vulnerable populations while laying the groundwork for long-term resilience. Supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s longstanding commitment to development and humanitarian assistance, this partnership is helping expand access to safe water across some of Somalia’s most drought-affected areas.  

In this interview with UNDP, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), Eng. Faisal M. Alkahtani reflects on the values guiding SFD’s engagement, its vision for scaling impact, and its message to the Somali people.

Excerpts: 

SFD has emerged as a valued development partner for Somalia in recent years. What motivates SFD’s engagement, and what core values guide this partnership?  

Somalia has faced recurrent droughts and water scarcity, which threaten livelihoods and wellbeing. At SFD, our engagement is guided by solidarity, human-centered development, and sustainability—values that are rooted in the Kingdom’s longstanding role in development and humanitarian assistance. We are committed to supporting projects that strengthen communities and this partnership with UNDP is especially important now, as it directly responds to urgent water needs while building long-term resilience. 

The project has already delivered solar-powered boreholes benefiting thousands of Somalis. How does SFD envision scaling or expanding this initiative in the future? 

Our vision is to expand sustainable water access to as many communities as possible. To achieve this, we are focused on scaling sustainable water solutions across more drought-affected regions, while strengthening community capacity to manage these resources effectively. 

This project is part of a grant provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the Saudi Program for Drilling Wells and Rural Development, launched in 1981 and implemented through the Saudi Fund for Development. It reflects this approach by focusing on mitigating water scarcity, strengthening food security, supporting agricultural productivity, and expanding access to safe drinking water in vulnerable communities. 

So far, according to UNDP, the project has already provided safe water to at least 23,000 people with the completion of two solar-powered boreholes in Puntland and Northeast Somalia. Over the coming months, nine additional boreholes are under construction, and by the end of the project, we aim to reach 120,000 people across some of Somalia’s most drought-affected districts. Beyond providing water, we are also supporting local communities to manage these resources effectively, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience against future droughts. 

Looking ahead, how does SFD see its collaboration with Somalia developing in other areas? 

Building on the success of our current water project, SFD remains committed to supporting developing nations, in line with our broader mission. While water access is one of our immediate focuses, our approach emphasizes sustainable development, resilience, and capacity-building. Through partnerships with UNDP and local communities, we aim to continue contributing to Somalia’s long-term development and preparedness for future challenges, while exploring opportunities in areas such as climate-resilient infrastructure and community-led resource management. 

Your message to the Somali people.

We want the Somali people to know that SFD is committed to long-term partnership, delivering projects that improve livelihoods, strengthen resilience, and support national priorities. Together with UNDP and local communities, we believe in a future where access to safe water and sustainable development is a reality for all Somalis.