Pretoria, South Africa — Somalia’s Ambassador to South Africa, Mohamed Sheikh Issak, took part in a high-level economic information-sharing session in Pretoria, centered on advancing regional growth through the strategic initiatives of Union of Municipalities for Economic Development in Africa (UMEDA).
The session brought together ambassadors, senior municipal leaders, economic experts, and private sector representatives from across the African continent. The focus was on collaborative approaches to local economic development, investment facilitation, and urban resilience—key pillars of UMEDA’s continental strategy.
Amb. Issak lauded UMEDA’s commitment to fostering inclusive development at the municipal level, highlighting the potential for Somalia’s cities and regional authorities to tap into cross-border investment opportunities. He emphasized that Somalia is actively working to rebuild its municipal governance structures and welcomes knowledge exchange with countries in the region.
“Somalia’s reconstruction journey is anchored in grassroots resilience and municipal empowerment. Partnerships like these are crucial for unlocking sustainable economic growth and job creation for our people,” the Ambassador stated during the session.
UMEDA officials showcased flagship programs focusing on industrial park development, digital infrastructure, green economy transitions, and inter-city trade corridors. Case studies from Southern and West Africa were also presented to demonstrate the impact of coordinated municipal strategies on national economies.
Amb. Issak engaged in bilateral discussions on the sidelines with South African counterparts and UMEDA leaders to explore how Somali municipalities can benefit from technical assistance, capacity building, and urban development financing offered under the initiative.
The information session was part of a broader UMEDA effort to align African municipalities with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals, enabling local governments to serve as catalysts for regional integration and prosperity.