By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU – Somalia has taken a major step in advancing its climate agenda with the launch of the Somali Climate Finance Trial and the official operationalisation of the National Climate Fund (NCF), a government-led initiative designed to strengthen the country’s capacity to mobilise and manage climate finance.
The move was formalised during a National Inception Workshop held in Mogadishu from 27 to 28 August, which brought together more than 60 senior officials, business leaders and civil society representatives. The workshop concluded with the endorsement of the Inception Report and Annual Work Plan, setting the direction for the fund’s first phase of implementation.
Opening the event, Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh, who also chairs the NCF Board, underscored that securing climate finance is now a strategic priority for Somalia. He highlighted that communities across the country are persistently affected by droughts, floods and other climate-related shocks.
“Mobilising and managing climate finance through the National Climate Fund will not only enable us to respond more effectively to these urgent challenges but also allow us to plan for a more resilient and sustainable future,” said Minister Egeh. “This demonstrates our government’s collective commitment to ensuring that climate resources are channelled transparently and equitably, reaching the communities that need them most.”
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Lt. Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama, also joined the inauguration, affirming the government’s determination to integrate climate action across all sectors.
According to officials, the Climate Finance Trial marks an important entry point for Somalia into international financing mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Adaptation Fund, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Early support has already begun flowing into the country.
At the close of the workshop, Liban Obsiye, Executive Director of the NCF, emphasised Somalia’s commitment to collective action.
“Partnership is key to building resilience and this process shows Somalia’s determination to mobilise resources to tackle the climate crisis,” Obsiye said. “Access to climate finance is about meeting our immediate national needs but also investing in long-term stability, sustainable development and the protection of vulnerable communities.”
The National Climate Fund, established through a presidential decree by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, will serve as a centralised mechanism for raising, distributing and overseeing climate finance. Led by the Finance Ministry, its governance framework integrates state institutions, private sector actors and civil society groups formally recognised under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Authorities believe this whole-of-government approach will strengthen Somalia’s ability to attract international resources, enhance transparency and accountability, and ensure that frontline communities most affected by climate change receive the necessary support.
