Mogadishu – Somalia’s State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Yusuf Mohamed Waliid, held a key meeting on Sunday with Christopher Laker, the Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Somalia, to explore avenues for expanding cooperation in the blue economy sector.
The high-level discussion, which took place in the capital Mogadishu, focused on strategies to unlock Somalia’s vast and largely untapped marine resources. Waliid emphasized the blue economy as a cornerstone of the country’s long-term development vision, highlighting its critical role in creating jobs, enhancing food security, and driving sustainable economic growth.
“Our coastline offers immense opportunities for fisheries, maritime transport, and marine biodiversity conservation. To harness these assets effectively, Somalia needs stronger institutional support, technical expertise, and investment partnerships — areas where UNDP’s role is vital,” Waliid said.
The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources for economic development, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health. Somalia, with Africa’s longest coastline at over 3,300 kilometers, holds enormous potential in this sector, yet decades of instability and limited infrastructure have hindered full utilization.
Laker reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s development goals, including blue economy priorities under the National Development Plan and the broader UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also noted UNDP’s ongoing programs in fisheries governance, climate resilience, and community-based marine resource management.
The meeting comes as Somalia ramps up efforts to diversify its economy, reduce reliance on humanitarian aid, and leverage its natural resources for inclusive development. It also follows recent government engagements with other international partners on maritime security, port infrastructure, and marine conservation.
Both sides agreed to establish a joint technical working group to assess key blue economy priorities and identify short-term and long-term support mechanisms.