Somalia's finance minister has told the BBC that Covid-19 is having a devastating effect on the economy.
Abdirahman Duale Beyle said remittance flows have dried up because so many Somalis abroad have lost their jobs due to the virus.
He added that government revenue has shrunk by 40% because it is unable to collect taxes.
Mr Beyle said he believed some people would starve as a result of the crash in remittance flows.
About $1.5bn (£1.2bn) a year are remitted to Somalia, significantly more than foreign aid, and many families depend on the cash for their survival.
It helps people pay for school fees, medical help or simply to buy food.
One of the largest money transfer companies in Somalia says remittances from the UK have fallen by 50%.
The country is already affected by Islamist militancy, clan fighting, regular droughts and floods and a locust invasion.
It is possible the hit to the economy from coronavirus will bring it to its knees.
But there is one glimmer of hope.
A $5bn injection of funds from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund - together with improved financial discipline - have made Somalia eligible for debt relief for the first time in 30 years.
The World Bank has just released a report saying that sub-Saharan Africa could lose $37bn in remittances because of coronavirus.
Latest Stories
-
Elon Musk in China to discuss enabling full self driving
7 mins -
PSG clinch Ligue 1 title after Lyon’s win over Monaco
2 hours -
Guinness Ghana sets the pace at Ghana Beverage Awards with six awards
3 hours -
Burkina Faso suspends BBC, VOA radio broadcasts over killings coverage
3 hours -
Nicole Kidman honoured with AFI Life Achievement Award
3 hours -
Brassier scores winner for Brest as they edge Rennes to secure European football
3 hours -
Akufo-Addo jabs Ejisu independent candidate; rubbishes allegations to rig by-election
4 hours -
‘What are the real causes of the erratic power outages?’ GUTA demands from ECG
4 hours -
Implementing ESG framework in Ghana’s energy sector for sustainability
4 hours -
CAFCC: Dreams FC exit competition after 3-0 defeat in Kumasi
4 hours -
The detrimental effects of political interference on Ghana’s electricity sustainability
4 hours -
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s appointment as running mate intimidates the NPP – Benjamin Quashie
4 hours -
Black Stars physical trainer dead
4 hours -
Bawumia to kick off nationwide campaign for Election 2024 tomorrow
4 hours -
GUTA charges ECG to provide ‘dumsor’ timetable for businesses to plan
4 hours