LocationsNew project to boost Climate resilience across 17 cities in Somalia
February 8, 2026
The Federal Government of Somalia, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has launched a new USD 12 million project in Mogadishu aimed at boosting urban resilience to Climate Change and Transitioning to a Green Economy. The initiative is expected to directly benefit more than 850,000 people, improving the lives of vulnerable communities across Somalia, including women, youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The project will enhance climate resilience in urban areas with integrated economic incentives and improved technologies that can both reduce pressure on natural resources and lower vulnerability to climate hazards. The project will run from 2026 to 2030 and cover 17 cities across all Federal Member States, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), and Somaliland. Support will include climate-resilient urban planning, adoption of nature-based solutions such as integrated water management and “sponge city” concepts, which aim to capture, store and absorb rainwater using green spaces, to reduce flood risks, heat stress, and drought impacts. The initiative will also strengthen local institutions and empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including women-led businesses, through training, technical assistance, and access to financing to integrate nature-based solutions and green entrepreneurship.
Somalia is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, with 75 % of its GDP at macro level being exposed to climate risks and 70% of Somalia’s GDP generated in urban areas. The country faces intensified climate hazards, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, frequent floods, prolonged droughts, and coastal erosion. These extremes disproportionately affect people living in urban areas, nearly half of Somalia’s estimated 19 million population. Many urban dwellers reside in informal settlements with inadequate infrastructure and limited access to basic services.
"With the support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UNDP, the Federal Government of Somalia is pleased to launch the project. As our cities face growing climate risks from floods and heat stress to environmental degradation, this project is expected to strengthen urban institutions, improve planning systems, and invest in nature-based solutions that protect both people and ecosystems. Most importantly, it prioritizes the needs of women, youth, and internally displaced communities who are most affected by these challenges," said Ahmed Omar Mohamed, State Minister, Federal Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
The project was officially launched at the first meeting of the Project Steering Committee in Mogadishu, which was co-chaired by the State Minister Ahmed Omar Mohamed, and Lionel Laurens, UNDP Resident Representative in Somalia, with senior representatives from the Federal Member States and Banadir region in attendance.
"UNDP is proud to launch this project jointly with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. We express our sincere gratitude to the Global Environment Facility for its support to Somalia to move away from cyclical emergency crisis responses to enhancing resilience of urban systems and improving adaptive capacity of urban communities and ecosystems. We are confident that the project will visibly boost climate resilience and provide direct benefits to communities on the ground in some of Somalia’s most climate-vulnerable cities. This will be made possible through an integrated approach including promotion of innovative and locally designed nature-based solutions and sustainable finance mobilization through private sector investments” said Lionel Laurens, UNDP Resident Representative in Somalia.
The 17 target cities—Mogadishu (Banadir), Garowe, Galkacyo, Bosaso, Hargeisa, Burco, Berbera, Borama, Dhusamareb, Hobyo, South Galkacyo, Beledweyne, Jowhar, Baidoa, Hudur, Kismayo, and Garbaharey—were selected for their high exposure to climate risks, population vulnerability, and strategic importance for sustainable urban development.
The project will work closely with federal, state, and local authorities to strengthen institutional capacity, promote inclusive urban planning, and scale up climate-resilient solutions that can continue beyond the project period. Key project activities include development of 10 climate-resilient policies and training of over 1,260 people (40% women) in climate adaptation, execution of 34 infrastructure interventions such as flood defenses, drainage systems, and green corridors across 17 cities to reduce flood risks, combat urban heat islands, and restore 5,000 hectares of degraded ecosystems. Besides, the project aims to mobilize private investment for women- and youth-led green MSMEs by establishing an innovative financing facility.
Abdullahi Godah Barre, GEF Operational Focal Point, highlighted the growing international confidence in Somalia’s capacity to deliver the project. "This project reflects growing global trust in Somalia’s ability to deliver. It demonstrates strong leadership, effective coordination between federal and state institutions, and real capacity on the ground. Most importantly, it will translate into tangible benefits for Somali communities and strengthen confidence that Somalia can successfully implement large-scale, climate-focused investments," he said.
The project will be implemented under a dual-execution modality, with UNDP providing fiduciary oversight and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) leading policy alignment and local coordination.
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For more information, please contact UNDP Somalia: https://www.undp.org/somalia/contact-us
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