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Somalia and Saudi Arabia have signed a new agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation in sports and youth development, marking an important milestone in Somalia’s rebuilding journey and regional ties. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday in Riyadh by Somali Minister of Youth and Sports Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali and Saudi Minister of Youth and Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both countries, highlighting the growing partnership between Mogadishu and Riyadh.
The agreement focuses on rebuilding and modernizing Somalia’s sports infrastructure, which has suffered decades of neglect due to conflict and instability. Saudi Arabia pledged to support the reconstruction of key stadiums and sports centers across the country, aiming to create safe spaces for young people to train, compete, and connect. This effort is seen as part of a broader plan to use sports as a tool for peacebuilding, community cohesion, and national pride.
In addition to infrastructure development, the deal includes joint initiatives designed to empower Somali youth through skills training, employment programs, and institutional development. These programs will focus on helping young people gain access to education, mentorship, and career opportunities—especially in areas like sports management, coaching, and event organization. The goal is to foster a generation of skilled and confident youth capable of driving social and economic change.
Speaking after the signing, Minister Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali emphasized that this partnership represents hope for Somali youth and the sports community at large. He noted that the agreement with Saudi Arabia not only brings technical and financial support but also opens doors for long-term collaboration within the Arab League. In the coming days, the minister is expected to hold meetings with officials from other Arab nations to discuss expanding regional cooperation in youth empowerment and sports development.
For many in Somalia, the timing of the deal felt symbolic. On the same day, Mogadishu witnessed a rare and uplifting moment when Howlwadaag district’s football team won the Banadir Regional Football Tournament, defeating Warsheikh district 2–1 in a thrilling final at Mogadishu Stadium. The match drew hundreds of cheering fans, filling the stands with joy and unity. Somali leaders attending the event described it as a reflection of the country’s improving security and growing sense of national togetherness.
The combination of the football victory and the signing of the MoU underscored Somalia’s renewed optimism and determination to rebuild. Sports are increasingly seen not just as entertainment, but as a symbol of recovery and resilience for a nation that has endured decades of conflict. With Saudi Arabia’s support, Somalia hopes to restore its once-vibrant sports culture, nurture young talent, and inspire new opportunities for peace and progress through teamwork and shared purpose.