Seamus in Eritrea, page-4

In short, US Sanctions imposed late last year have made it very difficult to get the money to be able to start development.
The US sanctions have cut off Western $$, severely affected Eritrea's import/export capability.
Seamus doesn't know how to get the money, where it might come from, or when it might happen, yet, but is adamant Collulli will go ahead.

Between the lines - possible outside suitors could be Eurochem (Russia) or Asia (China).
Funding for this project should be a no brainer for anyone with the cash, but instead just seems frustratingly too hard to get anyone interested.