Mogadishu, Somalia – The ongoing campaign in Somalia to modernize its public administration took another step forward this week as the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Prof. Salim Caliyow Ibrow, held a focused meeting with the Civil Service Commission to review ongoing reforms and the challenges that continue to slow progress.
The discussion brought renewed energy to the government’s broader effort to build a more capable and accountable civil service. Participants examined how to strengthen management systems, improve staff performance, and ensure that public institutions are able to meet the expectations of a population increasingly demanding efficient and reliable services.
According to those present, the minister emphasized the need for steady coordination between the ministry and the commission, noting that the country’s reform journey hinges on shared commitment. His message underscored an emerging consensus within government: that Somalia’s institutions can deliver better results only when departments move in sync.
Officials also reviewed persistent gaps, including staffing constraints, outdated administrative tools, and the need for stronger professional development programs. Despite these hurdles, there was a sense of progress in the room, reflected in the commission’s recent efforts to standardize procedures and introduce systems that promote merit-based advancement.
For many Somali public servants, the renewed collaboration signals hope for a more structured and supportive working environment. As the government continues its state-building agenda, reforming the civil service remains one of the most essential—and complex—tasks ahead. The meeting in Mogadishu reaffirmed that the work is far from finished, but the momentum is clearly building.