Mogadishu, Somalia – The ongoing pursuit of a more accountable and data-driven future in Somalia took another step forward on Tuesday as the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development gathered officials, experts and development partners in Mogadishu for the country’s second National Monitoring and Evaluation Conference.
The meeting drew a wide spectrum of participants, but it was the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama and Planning Minister Mohamud A. Sheikh Farah Beenebeene that set the tone for the day. Their attendance underscored how central monitoring and evaluation has become to Somalia’s reform agenda, especially as the government works to deliver on its national development priorities amid shifting security and economic pressures.
Inside the conference hall, the atmosphere was purposeful. Delegates from across government ministries sat beside representatives of international institutions, each bringing their own perspective on what stronger evidence can mean for the country’s future. Many spoke about the need to replace instinct with reliable information, to ensure that plans made in Mogadishu translate into real improvements for families in every region.
Throughout the sessions, officials highlighted the challenges of measuring progress in a country still rebuilding its institutions, but they also emphasized the gains made in recent years. From improved data collection to the gradual adoption of unified reporting systems, participants pointed to emerging tools that could help Somalia identify gaps, fix weak links, and scale up what works.
For many in attendance, the conference offered a chance to reflect on the human side of development planning. It was a reminder that behind every dataset lies a community waiting for better services, more jobs, or a safer environment. The discussions frequently returned to the idea that solid evidence is more than a bureaucratic requirement—it is a safeguard against wasted resources and unmet promises.
As the conference closed, there was a shared sense that Somalia is slowly building the foundations needed for long-term progress. While challenges remain, the gathering in Mogadishu signaled a growing commitment to a culture of transparency, accountability and learning—one where decisions are shaped not by guesswork, but by the realities faced by the people the government serves.