Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Somalia’s Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development hosted an important consultative meeting of the National Development Council (NDC) on Thursday in Mogadishu, bringing together top planning officials from both the federal government and the Federal Member States. The gathering focused on aligning national priorities, improving coordination, and fast-tracking the implementation of key development goals under the National Transformation Plan (NTP 2025–2029).
The meeting served as a central platform for the Federal Minister of Planning and planning ministers from the Federal Member States to discuss how Somalia can move forward collectively. Their goal was to ensure that the country’s development roadmap is coordinated at every level, from federal institutions to state governments. This collaboration is considered essential for Somalia to make consistent progress, particularly in areas that require joint decision-making and shared resources.
The session was opened by Minister Mohamud A. Sheikh Farah, known as Beenebeene, who highlighted the importance of having a unified national planning system. He stressed that Somalia needs a clear and coherent framework to guide development efforts, and he encouraged the Council to accelerate reforms already underway through the NTP 2025–2029. According to the Minister, the success of the national plan depends heavily on efficient coordination, strong partnerships, and timely implementation.
Throughout the meeting, several Federal Member State representatives shared updates on their local development programs. These included Ali Warsame from the Northeast State, Mahamud Abdi Ali from Hirshabelle, Abdirahman Ahmed Hayle from Galmudug, and Mohamed Noor Fanah, the Deputy Minister of Planning for South West State. Their contributions offered insight into the progress being made across different regions, as well as the challenges that still need attention. Issues such as limited resources, climate-related impacts, and the need for stronger communication between institutions were highlighted as areas requiring continued collaboration.
One of the main components of the meeting was reviewing the End-Term Evaluation of the 9th National Development Plan (NDP9 2020–2024). This evaluation gave the Council an overview of what has been achieved in the last four years and where gaps remain. It also served as a foundation for improving the new National Transformation Plan, allowing the country to build on lessons learned and avoid repeating past mistakes.
The Council also listened to briefings from various departments within the Ministry of Planning. These internal reports detailed how far implementation of the new NTP has progressed, pointing out achievements in sectors like governance, infrastructure development, and economic reform, while also acknowledging areas where progress has been slow. The purpose of these updates was not only to inform the Council, but also to guide decision-making for the next steps in national development.
Federal Member States also provided updates on their specific development efforts. They shared both their successes—such as improved local planning structures and new development initiatives—as well as obstacles that continue to affect progress, including humanitarian pressures, drought-response demands, and capacity limitations in some regions. These exchanges helped the Council identify shared national priorities and the need for stronger support systems to help states carry out their plans more effectively.
In closing, Minister Beenebeene reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to working closely with all Federal Member States. He emphasized that Somalia’s development depends on unity, cooperation, and the ability to plan and act as one country. By strengthening coordination and pushing forward with the National Transformation Plan, the Ministry aims to ensure that development efforts reach communities across Somalia and contribute to long-term stability and growth. He expressed confidence that with continued collaboration, Somalia can achieve a more inclusive and sustainable development path that benefits all citizens.