Somalia, Dec. 3 -- The African Development Bank Group has approved additional debt relief for Somalia, clearing the way for full cancellation of all African Development Fund loans to the country covering the 2024-2039 period.The move, which follows successful completion of the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative process, will reduce Somalia's external debt by $17.68 million, freeing up vital fiscal space for development priorities.Launched in 1996 by the World Bank Group, HIPC works to reduce unmanageable debt burdens for participating countries that meet strict criteria and commit to poverty reduction policies, enabling them to focus on economic growth and poverty reduction. In 2005, the Multilateral Debt Relief Init...