Garowe, Puntland, 8th February 2026 – The Ambassador of Italy to Somalia, together with the Deputy Head of AICS Nairobi Office, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and local authorities presented today in Garowe, capital of Puntland, the initiative “Economic and Livelihood Opportunities in the Fisheries Sector in Somalia”, financed by Italy and implemented by UNIDO. The event marks a significant milestone, representing the first official mission of AICS Nairobi outside the capital, and underscores Italy’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government of Somalia and its Federal Member States as key drivers for the country’s development and stability.The initiative, launched nationally in Mogadishu in December 2025, focuses on strengthening the fisheries value chain in Bossaso, recognizing Puntland’s strategic role in Somalia’s blue economy and its potential in sustainable coastal development. In alignment with the National Development Plan and the Somalia Blue Economy Strategy, the project aims to transform subsistence fishing into a modern and competitive business systems, through two strategic activities: the establishment of a Common Service Center in Bossaso, owned and managed by local cooperatives and equipped with modern cold storage and processing facilities; and the creation of a permanent Blue Economy Dialogue Platform, positioning Puntland as a national hub for policy dialogue and innovation in the marine sector. The protagonists of the initiative will be over 370 members of the local fishing industry, businesses, and operators in the sector (including 100 women).
Speaking at the event, H.E. Pier Mario Daccò, Ambassador of Italy to Somalia, highlighted that the project goes beyond the realization of infrastructures and the provision of equipment, aiming instead to build a “model” as a blueprint for economic transformation in the fisheries sector that can position Puntland as a leader in the blue economy across the country. Italy brings to the project the excellence of its Mediterranean fisheries sector through Federpesca, while UNIDO ITPO Italy will facilitate access to European markets and investors. Capacity-building activities include technical trainings on modern fishing techniques, the management of cooperative, quality standards, and entrepreneurship programmes with particular attention to women.
The visit to Puntland also provided the opportunity to present the results of the population census of Garowe, another initiative funded by the Italian Cooperation and implemented by Società Geografica Italiana. The census represents a crucial tool for evidence-based planning, improved service delivery, and strengthened administrative management in Puntland’s capital.
Through this visit in the Puntland state, Italy reaffirmed its long-term engagement in Somalia, supporting strategic sectors such as the blue economy, and reinforcing capacity and effectiveness of local institutions, while promoting sustainability, employment, and opportunities for youth and women.
