Puntland has recently launched its Fourth Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030) in Garowe, marking a major milestone in the state’s long-term development journey. With an estimated total budget of USD 1.78 billion, the Plan sets out Puntland’s medium-term vision for inclusive economic growth, stronger institutions, and a more resilient and sustainable economy.

The Plan aims to achieve a “Prosperous and Self-Sufficient Puntland” by 2030. This vision focuses on building strong and effective governance systems that support economic growth, improve social and human development, and strengthen resilience to climate and environmental challenges. At its core, the Plan seeks to build a self-reliant state with capable institutions, a diversified economy, and empowered citizens able to lead dignified lives beyond 2030.

To achieve this vision, the Plan outlines a series of ambitious, costed investments that will directly benefit its estimated 4.3 million population (Puntland Statistics Department). For example, the plan directly targets job creation and economic expansion through major infrastructure projects. A proposed $302 million investment to construct a 300km asphalt road along the 3G (Garacad, Galkayo, and Galdogob) Corridor is projected to stimulate trade and connectivity, while an additional $125 million is earmarked for building 400km and rehabilitating 500km of primary asphalt roads, which will create significant employment opportunities in the construction sector and beyond.

The Plan also prioritizes boosting local industries to drive self-sufficiency. The government plans to invest $10 million in new fish processing plants in Bareda, Eyl, and Garacad, alongside $3 million for a new meat processing plant and $600,000 for three new milk processing facilities. These strategic investments are designed to create hundreds of new jobs in processing, logistics, and management, directly contributing to the goal of a more resilient and self-reliant Puntland economy.

Developed through extensive consultations with communities, government institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector, women and youth groups, and development partners, the Plan reflects the priorities of Puntland’s citizens. It provides a unified framework to guide public policy, investment decisions, and development cooperation over the next five years, reinforcing a shared commitment between the State and its people.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Daud Mohamed Omar, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, emphasized the importance of national ownership and collective action in delivering the Plan’s ambitions.

“The Five-Year Development Plan is a genuine social contract, shaped through broad societal participation and firmly grounded in citizens’ priorities,” said Minister Daud. “It is guided by a strong results-based framework, clear strategic priorities, and alignment with both national and global development commitments.”

The Minister also expressed appreciation to UNDP for its sustained technical and financial support and its long-standing partnership with the Puntland State, noting that this support has strengthened the Ministry’s capacity in development planning, coordination, and results-based monitoring and evaluation.

The Plan is structured around five strategic pillars: inclusive governance; justice and security reform; economic development; social and human capital development; and climate action and environmental sustainability. Together, these pillars aim to improve service delivery, expand economic opportunities, and protect communities from climate and economic shocks.

UNDP provided technical and financial support throughout the planning process, including the deployment of technical experts from its headquarters and Amman Hub. This support contributed to stakeholder consultations, drafting of the Plan, and collaboration on a Resilience Investment Plan focused on productive sectors. The Puntland Development Plan (2026–2030) is aligned with UNDP’s upcoming Country Programme Document (2026–2030) and global frameworks such as Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNDP Somalia’s Deputy Resident Representative for Programmes, Dr. Christopher Laker, participated in the launch and reaffirmed UNDP’s long-standing partnership with Puntland.

“The Fourth Five-Year Development Plan is more than a policy document; it is a roadmap for delivering real change,” said Dr. Laker. “It reflects Puntland’s commitment to strong institutions, inclusive growth, and long-term resilience. UNDP is proud to support a vision that puts people at the center of development and translates priorities into tangible improvements in daily life.”

The launch event brought together senior government leaders, high-level representatives from key development partners, including the UN, UNDP, European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, civil society, and the private sector, signaling a collective commitment to inclusive growth, strengthened institutions, and sustainable development in Puntland.