Resilient livelihoods. Stronger markets.
DRIVE connects financial protection for pastoralists with business financing and stronger trade systems to help Somalia’s livestock economy grow.
Launched in 2022, the De-risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement of Pastoral Economies in the Horn of Africa project is a regional initiative covering Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. It helps pastoralists manage drought risk, gain access to financial services, participate more fully in livestock value chains and benefit from stronger regional trade.
The project is financed by the World Bank’s International Development Association, with support from development partners. Its work is organized under two connected components.
Component 1Financial services for climate resilience
DRIVE combines index-based livestock insurance and takaful with savings, digital accounts, financial education and rapid payouts when drought conditions trigger support.
This gives pastoral households access to funds when they need them most. It helps them protect their core livestock, reduce distress sales and recover more quickly after a difficult season.
The regional model brings together governments, ZEP-RE, local insurers, financial institutions and international reinsurers. It pools expertise and risk across the Horn of Africa while adapting products and delivery to the needs of each country.
Component 2Livestock value chains and trade facilitation
Financial protection alone is not enough. Pastoralists also need reliable markets, and livestock businesses need finance and functioning trade systems.
DRIVE supports financing for livestock businesses, stronger product standards, testing and certification, animal identification and traceability, veterinary services, trade information and more efficient cross-border processes. These investments help build confidence in Somali products and make it easier for businesses to reach domestic and regional markets.
Women, young people and underserved pastoral communities are a central part of both components. The project supports targeted financial education, wider access to financial services and dedicated financing opportunities for women- and youth-owned businesses.
DRIVE in Somalia
In Somalia, DRIVE supports financial protection for pastoralists through drought insurance, takaful, savings incentives and digital payments.
The project is also strengthening the institutions and systems around the livestock economy. This includes the Livestock Value Chain Fund, national quality infrastructure, standards and certification, livestock identification and traceability, laboratory and quarantine services, electronic veterinary certification, trade information, the National Single Window and wider trade reforms.
Together, this work helps pastoralists manage risk, enables livestock businesses to invest and improves the conditions for Somali products to reach wider markets.
The work, in context.
Six connected priorities
Explore the project’s work across livelihoods, financial services, markets, trade, quality and institutions.
Our workInformation you can use
Access trade information, project videos and related resources through the resource library.
Somalia Trade Information Portal