Deputy Prime Minister Opens Third Somalia Development Forum, Highlights National Transformation Plan

MOGADISHU – Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Salah Ahmed Jama, officially opened the third Somalia Development Forum (SDF) today, a conference jointly organised by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies and City University.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that Somalia has achieved tangible progress in governance reform, democratisation, economic growth and investment, despite persistent challenges including climate change and declining international support. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating the implementation of the National Transformation Plan (NTP) 2025–2029, strengthening economic infrastructure and preparing for emerging risks.

A Platform for Inclusive Dialogue

The Somalia Development Forum serves as a key platform for policymakers, development partners and civil society to discuss the country’s progress and challenges. The 2024 edition of the forum, which was opened by Minister of Planning Mohamed Beenebeene, highlighted that Somalia attracted between $680 and $700 million in foreign direct investment, reflecting positive growth in the country’s investment landscape. The forum is organised by Somalia’s Heritage Institute for Policy Studies in collaboration with City University.

Deputy Prime Minister Jama emphasised the importance of dialogue, inclusive governance, and collaboration between the government, civil society, academics and development stakeholders in achieving a peaceful Somalia. Speaking previously at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain, Jama presented Somalia’s strategic development priorities, highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to rebuild its economy, strengthen public institutions and enhance social resilience.

National Transformation Plan as Blueprint

The Deputy Prime Minister underscored that the National Transformation Plan 2025–2029 serves as the government’s medium-term development framework. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre officially launched the NTP in March 2025, outlining a comprehensive strategy aimed at driving economic growth, implementing governance reforms and advancing infrastructure development. The plan is expected to serve as a blueprint for Somalia’s transformation over the next five years, addressing critical challenges and laying the foundation for sustainable progress.

Consultations for the NTP began in Kismayo in September 2024, focusing on several critical areas including security, governance, justice and economic recovery. The plan prioritises economic recovery and aims to address the country’s most pressing challenges through coordinated efforts across key sectors.

Deputy Prime Minister’s Broader Development Agenda

Deputy Prime Minister Jama has been at the forefront of Somalia’s development and social protection initiatives. He co-chaired a High-Level Panel on Social Protection in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings at the World Social Summit in Doha, marking a major step toward inclusive recovery for nations facing instability. As Jama has often emphasised, social protection offers a pathway to stability by restoring trust between citizens and the state, supporting inclusive growth and preventing the marginalisation that fuels conflict.

He has also stressed the indispensable role of civil society organisations as fundamental to Somalia’s recovery, officially opening the Somali Civil Society Conference in Mogadishu and calling for strengthened collaboration between the government and non-state actors.

Challenges and Way Forward

The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges facing Somalia, including climate change and declining international support. At the FfD4 Conference, he made a compelling case for equitable and inclusive access to global financing frameworks, stating that “Somalia’s recovery journey is anchored on inclusive growth, accountable governance and climate-smart investment.”

Jama has reiterated Mogadishu’s commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter as Somalia assumes its role as a member of the UN Security Council, highlighting the country’s evolving role in advancing global cooperation.

The third Somalia Development Forum is expected to produce recommendations that will inform the government’s policy priorities and development strategies in the coming year, with a focus on accelerating NTP implementation, building climate resilience and strengthening partnerships with development stakeholders.