Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia’s push for food sovereignty received a fresh boost this week as the European Union signalled renewed commitment to supporting the country’s agricultural transformation.
In Mogadishu on Monday, EU Ambassador to Somalia Francesca Di Mauro met with Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Mohamed A. Hayir Maareeye for what both sides described as a constructive and forward-looking discussion. The talks focused on the ministry’s current priorities — from land and water management reforms to modernising farming practices — as Somalia seeks to shift from dependency on food imports to becoming a competitive agricultural producer.
According to a statement issued after the meeting, the EU reaffirmed its resolve to stand behind Somalia’s long-term vision of food self-reliance. This includes continued support for climate-resilient farming, irrigation infrastructure, and efforts to open new export markets for Somali produce across the region and beyond.
Officials familiar with the talks said Maareeye outlined plans to scale up staple crop production and invest in farmer cooperatives to boost national output. He reportedly stressed that sustained partnerships with development partners like the EU were critical not just for food security, but for job creation and rural stability.
Amb. Di Mauro, for her part, commended the ministry’s reform agenda and assured that Brussels would continue working alongside Mogadishu to unlock the country’s vast agricultural potential.
With most Somalis relying on farming and livestock for their livelihoods, the sector’s revival is seen as central to the country’s economic recovery. Monday’s engagement signals growing alignment between Somalia and its international partners on how to turn that potential into tangible results.