In Somalia, strengthening public institutions is not only about delivering programmes; it is also about understanding what works, identifying gaps and learning how services can better respond to communities. As national priorities evolve, the ability to generate reliable evidence is becoming increasingly important for planning, accountability and informed public decision-making.

Recognizing the growing need for stronger evaluation capacity, UNDP Somalia, through the Somalia Transformational Governance Programme (STGP), partnered with the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development (MoPIED) and the Somalia Evaluation Society (SOMES) to deliver a five-day training on Enhancing Capacity in Evaluation Skills in Somalia in Mogadishu in December 2025.

The training forms part of STGP’s broader efforts to strengthen public sector effectiveness, promote accountable governance and support evidence-informed decision-making across Somalia. Supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the programme works with Somali institutions to strengthen governance systems, improve public service delivery and advance nationally led development processes.

According to the Somalia National Bureau of Statistics (SNBS), 75% of Somali population is below the age of 30, placing them at the centre of the country’s future workforce, governance systems and development trajectory. Expanding opportunities for young professionals to develop technical and leadership skills is therefore increasingly important to Somalia’s long-term development goals.

As part of the STGP initiative, UNDP brought together 55 participants from government institutions, universities and youth organizations in Mogadishu for intensive practical training designed to move beyond theory and into real-world application.

Throughout the five days, participants developed evaluation frameworks, explored digital data collection tools and practised analysing findings in ways that reflected real programme environments. For many, it was the first opportunity to apply these methods in a structured professional setting.

Post-training assessments showed average participant performance increasing from 70.86 percent to 85.31 percent, demonstrating stronger technical understanding and growing readiness among Somali professionals to contribute to programme assessment, organizational learning and informed decision-making.

For many participants, the experience transformed how they viewed their role in Somalia’s future.

Amina Abdisalam, a student at City University said, “Before attending, I had a basic understanding of monitoring and evaluation, but I lacked the practical skills needed to design and implement evaluations effectively. Through this training, I gained hands-on experience in developing evaluation frameworks, using digital tools and analysing data. I am now confident in contributing to evaluation assignments and supporting evidence-based decision-making processes.”

Women represented more than 40 percent of participants, helping broaden access to a technical field where female participation remains limited. The diversity of participants from government institutions, academia and civil society also encouraged stronger collaboration across sectors involved in Somalia’s governance landscape.

One of the programme’s most significant outcomes emerged after the training itself.

Participants went on to establish a Youth Evaluation Network linked to the Somalia Evaluation Society (SOMES) and supported by the Monitoring and Evaluation Department of the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development. What began as a short-term training initiative has since evolved into an ongoing platform for mentorship, collaboration and professional exchange among emerging Somali evaluators.

In a field where structured entry opportunities remain limited, the network offers young professionals a pathway to continue building expertise while contributing to Somalia’s growing culture of learning and accountability.

The initiative’s impact also extends beyond Somalia. Through SOMES’ partnership with the African Evaluation Association (AfrEA), participants are now connected to regional and continental professional networks, creating opportunities for peer learning, technical exchange and broader engagement within African evaluation communities.

As the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development, Mohamud Siciid Nur, noted:

“This training stands as a successful model of capacity building in Somalia. It not only improved knowledge and technical skills but also fostered inclusion, strengthened institutional collaboration and established sustainable mechanisms for continued growth. The initiative demonstrates how targeted investments in human capital can drive systemic change, ultimately contributing to more effective, accountable and locally driven development outcomes in Somalia.”

The training also contributes to the broader objectives of STGP, which supports governance reform, public sector development and improved coordination across government institutions.

Since its implementation, STGP has supported district development frameworks, expanded digital governance initiatives and improved coordination between federal and state institutions. The programme has also contributed to stronger administrative systems and enhanced collaboration across government entities, helping create foundations for more responsive and accountable governance.

Beyond the immediate outcomes of the training, the initiative is helping cultivate a new generation of Somali professionals equipped to generate insights, assess results and contribute to informed decision-making within their institutions.

About the Initiative

The Somalia Transformational Governance Programme (STGP) supports Somalia’s efforts to advance accountable governance, public sector effectiveness and evidence-informed public administration in line with the National Transformation Plan (NTP) 2025–2029. The programme focuses on leadership development, institutional coordination, digital governance and capacity-building initiatives that support more responsive and inclusive governance systems across Somalia.

Implemented in close partnership with the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development (MoPIED), STGP works with government institutions, civil society organizations and development partners to improve public service delivery, strengthen governance systems and support nationally led reform processes.