Somalia Launches National Climate Fund to Strengthen Climate Resilience and Mobilise Finance

 

Mogadishu, Somalia – August 28, 2025

Somalia has taken a major step forward in advancing its climate agenda with the official launch of the National Climate Fund (NCF) and the rollout of the Somali Climate Finance Trial. This initiative represents the country’s most ambitious effort yet to build a transparent and unified system for mobilising and managing climate finance, with the ultimate goal of strengthening resilience against worsening climate shocks.

A Whole-of-Government Approach

The move signals Somalia’s adoption of a whole-of-government approach to climate action. For the first time, national institutions, private sector actors, and civil society organisations are being integrated under one framework to coordinate the mobilisation and distribution of climate funds. This approach is expected to enhance Somalia’s credibility in the international arena, attract new funding streams, and ensure that resources are allocated fairly to the communities most affected by climate change.

The NCF was formally established through a presidential decree by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Its governance structure, chaired by the Minister of Finance, Mr. Bihi Iman Egeh, brings together key government ministries and agencies to ensure accountability and coordination in decision-making.

National Inception Workshop

The launch was marked by a two-day National Inception Workshop held in Mogadishu from 27–28 August 2025. The workshop convened more than 60 senior representatives from government institutions, business leaders, and civil society organisations. Participants endorsed the Inception Report and the Annual Work Plan, both of which set the direction for the next phase of building Somalia’s climate finance architecture.

Opening the workshop, Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh described the initiative as a strategic priority for Somalia. He noted that the country continues to experience devastating climate-related disasters, including recurring droughts and floods, which place immense pressure on lives, livelihoods, and the national economy.

“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,” the Minister said. “This process demonstrates our government’s collective commitment to ensuring that climate resources are channelled transparently and equitably, reaching the communities that need them most.”

Unlocking Access to Global Climate Finance

The Somali Climate Finance Trial serves as a stepping stone for the NCF, enabling the country to begin accessing resources from international climate funds such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Adaptation Fund, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Initial support has already started to flow into Somalia, with expectations that the NCF will significantly increase access to such funding opportunities.

Liban Obsiye, the Executive Director of the NCF, highlighted the importance of collaboration in building resilience. “Partnership is key to tackling the climate crisis, and this process shows Somalia’s determination to work collectively to mobilise resources,” he said. “Access to climate finance is about meeting our immediate national needs but also about investing in long-term stability, sustainable development, and protecting vulnerable communities from the worsening impacts of climate change.”

Looking Ahead

Somalia’s adoption of a national climate financing framework comes at a critical moment. Climate change continues to threaten food security, displace communities, and exacerbate conflict over scarce resources. By formalising the NCF, Somalia is not only strengthening its ability to respond to emergencies but also laying the groundwork for long-term resilience and sustainable development.

Authorities believe that this framework will put the country in a much stronger position to:

• Attract international climate funding through credible and transparent systems.

• Promote accountability in the use of climate resources.

• Ensure that the most vulnerable communities—those on the frontline of climate change—receive the support they urgently need.

As Somalia moves forward, the success of the National Climate Fund will depend on sustained government leadership, strong partnerships, and continued support from international donors. But the message is clear: Somalia is determined to shift from crisis response to long-term climate resilience, and the launch of the NCF is a defining step in that journey.