Jowhar, Hirshabelle – [9 September 2026]– Representatives of the Federal Government of Somalia, the United Nations and development partners gathered today in Jowhar, in the State of Hirshabelle, to mark an important milestone in Somalia’s efforts to strengthen water security, agricultural productivity and climate resilience. The ceremony marked the launch of the Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme (JOSP) and, in particular, the restoration works on the Sabuun dam. The infrastructure will help to improve irrigation services and strengthen the resilience of communities in the Shabelle River basin.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, the Minister for Energy and Water Resources, the President of the Hirshabelle State and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia. Representing Italy were the Italian Ambassador to Somalia and the Head of the AICS Office in Nairobi, alongside the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Somalia and the FAO Representative in the country.
The Sabuun Dam is a key component of the JOSP, a Somali Government-led investment aimed at strengthening water security and resource management in the Shabelle basin, in line with the priorities of the National Transformation Plan (NTP) 2025–2029. Once restored, it will help ensure more reliable access to water for irrigation for farming communities in the Middle and Lower Shabelle, supporting agricultural production, food security and sustainable livelihoods.
Highlighted and praised by all those present, Italy’s presence at the ceremony in Jowhar reflects the long-standing commitment of Italian Cooperation, in collaboration with the FAO, to supporting water and land resource management, and adaptation to climate change in Somalia. Among the key initiatives is the Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM) programme, which has been running for around twenty years. It provides Somali institutions with data and tools for water and land resource management, as well as for monitoring and early warning of droughts and floods, thereby contributing to the sustainable planning and management of water resources, including in the areas covered by the JOSP. Between 2020 and 2025, Italy also supported the Flood Prevention and Resilience Building in Upper Shabelle (HRRAP) project, which strengthened flood protection in Upper Shabelle, benefiting around 400,000 people, whilst the Strengthening Climate and Water Integrated Management (SCWIMM) is still under , aimed at improving the integrated management of the Qardho sub-basin and flood protection, whilst supporting the gradual transfer of SWALIM’s expertise and data to Somali institutions.
‘The Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme is an excellent example of what can be achieved through a strong partnership and coordinated action under the leadership of the Somali authorities. Together, we are investing in resilient and sustainable water infrastructure that will enhance water security, improve agricultural productivity and help make communities in the Shabelle basin more resilient,” said Pier Mario Daccò Coppi, Italian Ambassador to Somalia.
The Ambassador also highlighted Italy’s contribution to the JOSP, complemented by a humanitarian intervention targeting vulnerable internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in Jowhar and other areas, with a particular focus on food security and nutrition.
Italy remains committed to working with the Federal Government of Somalia, the federal member states, the FAO and development partners to strengthen Somalia’s capacity to manage its water resources, enhance the resilience of rural communities and support sustainable agricultural development and long-term prosperity.