Jowhar, Somalia – In a concerted effort to strengthen grassroots governance, the Ministry of Interior, Local Government, and Reconciliation of HirShabelle State, in partnership with UNDP Somalia, has completed a week-long capacity-building programme for 45 local government officials in Jowhar.
The training, delivered through the Local Government Institute (LGI), brought together district officials, council members, finance and planning officers, and representatives from various state ministries. Participants received hands-on instruction in public planning, budgeting, expenditure control, and financial reporting.
According to organisers, the initiative was designed to improve district-level decision-making and resource management, with a strong focus on citizen participation, fiscal transparency, and gender-responsive budgeting. By integrating these principles into local planning processes, officials are expected to deliver services more effectively and equitably.
“This programme is not just about technical skills. It is about fostering trust between communities and their local administrations by ensuring that public resources are managed openly and inclusively,” said a spokesperson for the ministry.
UNDP Somalia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting institutional development at the sub-national level, emphasising that sustainable governance relies on capable, accountable, and responsive local administrations.
The training forms part of broader state-building efforts in HirShabelle, where strengthening local governance structures is seen as key to improving service delivery, reducing corruption, and promoting long-term stability.