After years of protracted crisis, the country is attempting to rebuild its socio-economic fabric and pursue political stability, though security remains volatile and institutions fragile.
From a macro-economic point of view, a major milestone was achieved at the end of 2023 with the completion of the World Bank’s HIPC (Heavily Indebted Poor Countries) initiative, enabling the cancellation of a significant portion of external debt and opening new opportunities for economic stabilization and development. Nevertheless, the country continues to face serious challenges, including the ongoing insurgency of Al-Shabaab, fragile relations between the federal government and member states, and in 2024, worsening climate crises.
Despite these challenges, Somalia has continued its path toward state reconstruction with international support. In 2024, the Federal Government launched preparations for the National Transformation Plan (NTP) 2025–2029, a strategic framework aimed at sustainable development, economic stability, and long-term prosperity.
Somalia became part of the mandate of AICS Nairobi in 2023. Italian Cooperation has historically focused on the health sector, where AICS continues to work in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) to support Somalia’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage. Under the People pillar, Italy has also long supported the De Martino Hospital in Mogadishu, a key reference point for healthcare in the country.
In the field of human development, Italy provides support to higher education through its longstanding partnership with the Somali National University, seen as a strategic partner for skills development and training of the future political class. Italy also plays a vital role in infrastructure reconstruction—under the Planet pillar—with projects such as the enhancement of Bosaso’s water supply system, essential in a country where most infrastructure was destroyed during the war.
Under the Peace pillar, Italy continues direct support to the Federal Government of Somalia through the program “Towards Peace and Stability in Somalia” (TPSS), managed by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). In 2024, the program launched a crucial phase of needs assessment in areas recently liberated from extremist control. This represents a pioneering Italian initiative to foster stronger and more direct collaboration with Somali authorities.
Under the Prosperity pillar, Italian Cooperation supports the Somali economy both through macroeconomic capacity-building programs (in partnership with the IMF and World Bank) and through initiatives for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Regarding the Partnerships pillar, operational challenges in Somalia have long required the international community to act via multilateral instruments such as pooled donor funds. Italy is the fourth-largest contributor to OCHA’s Somalia Humanitarian Fund.
Today, Italy’s strategy combines emergency relief and development initiatives, engaging the wider Italian system—civil society organizations (CSOs), universities, and the private sector.