Mogadishu, Somalia – The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has announced the official launch of the second phase of the Baxnaano Project, Somalia’s flagship national social protection program. The event is scheduled to take place on 17th May 2025.
Baxnaano, which means “uplift” in Somali, was first introduced in 2019 to support vulnerable households with regular cash transfers and resilience-building initiatives. The second phase seeks to scale up coverage, improve delivery mechanisms, and enhance the impact of social safety nets across the country.
The ministry confirmed that Phase II will expand its support to include more families affected by climate shocks, displacement, and economic instability, particularly in underserved regions. The launch will bring together government officials, development partners, and key stakeholders from both federal and state levels.
“This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive social protection system,” said a ministry spokesperson. “The second phase of Baxnaano will not only address immediate needs but also help reduce long-term poverty and vulnerability.”
The program is implemented with support from international partners including the World Bank and other humanitarian and development agencies. Phase II is expected to improve digital delivery systems, increase community engagement, and strengthen local institutions managing social protection.
The launch event on Saturday will highlight success stories from Phase I and outline new strategies for expanding the program’s reach and impact in the years ahead.