Somalia Launches First-Ever National Climate Fund to Tackle Urgent Climate Challenges

Somalia Launches First-Ever National Climate Fund to Tackle Urgent Climate Challenges

Somalia has taken a historic step in the fight against climate change by launching its first National Climate Fund, a centralized mechanism that will help the country mobilize international financing for climate projects. This development comes as Somalia continues to face intensifying droughts, floods, and extreme weather events that threaten lives, livelihoods, and stability.

The fund became fully operational during a two-day workshop in Mogadishu (August 27–28), attended by over 60 senior government officials, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives. The workshop endorsed a roadmap and annual work plan, while also introducing the Somali Climate Finance Trial — a pilot initiative that will connect Somalia to major global climate financing streams such as the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, and the Global Environment Facility.

Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh, chair of the fund’s board, emphasized that climate finance has become “a strategic priority” for Somalia.

“Mobilizing and managing climate finance through the National Climate Fund will not only enable us to respond more effectively to urgent challenges but also allow us to plan for a more resilient and sustainable future,” he stated.

The launch was co-chaired by Lt. Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, who underlined Somalia’s adoption of a “whole-of-government” approach to climate financing.

At the closing session, Liban Obsiye, executive director of the fund, highlighted the importance of partnerships:

“Access to climate finance is about meeting our immediate national needs but also about investing in long-term stability and protecting vulnerable communities from the worsening impacts of climate change.”

The National Climate Fund was established by a presidential decree under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Its governance structure includes key ministries, state institutions, private-sector stakeholders, and civil society groups recognized under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Officials believe this new mechanism will boost donor confidence, ensure transparent and accountable use of funds, and prioritize the needs of frontline communities. With this step, Somalia is positioning itself not just to survive the climate crisis but to build a resilient, sustainable future for its people.