Prime Minister Hamza Receives High-Level International Delegation in Mogadishu

 

Mogadishu, Somalia – January 20, 2026

The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, on Monday received a high-level international delegation led by Ms. Mary Porter Peschka, the Regional Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for East Africa, during an official visit to Mogadishu. The meeting marked a significant step in strengthening Somalia’s engagement with international financial institutions and advancing the country’s long-term economic reform agenda.

The discussions, held at the Prime Minister’s office, focused on deepening cooperation between the Somali government and the IFC, particularly in support of the National Transformation Plan (NTP) 2025–2029. This ambitious national framework aims to accelerate economic growth, strengthen infrastructure, empower the private sector, and promote inclusive and sustainable development across the country.

Prime Minister Hamza emphasized that Somalia is entering a critical phase of economic recovery and institutional reform after decades of instability. He highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the investment climate, strengthening public financial management, and creating opportunities for private sector-led growth. According to the Prime Minister, partnerships with institutions such as the IFC are essential to unlocking Somalia’s economic potential and ensuring long-term stability.

“The Federal Government of Somalia highly values the role played by the International Finance Corporation in supporting economic development, private sector growth, and financial reforms,” Prime Minister Hamza stated. He noted that recent progress in domestic revenue mobilization, debt relief, and economic governance reforms has created a more favorable environment for international investment and development cooperation.

The meeting also explored ways to expand private sector participation in development projects, encourage public-private partnerships, and support innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among youth and women. These areas are seen as critical drivers of job creation and social stability in Somalia’s rapidly growing population.

For her part, Ms. Mary Porter Peschka expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed the IFC’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s development priorities. She praised the Somali government’s reform efforts and underscored the IFC’s readiness to enhance its engagement in key sectors such as infrastructure, finance, energy, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

“The IFC is committed to working closely with the Federal Government of Somalia to promote sustainable development and unlock private investment opportunities,” Ms. Peschka said. She stressed that a strong private sector is vital for economic resilience, poverty reduction, and long-term peacebuilding.

The visit comes at a time when Somalia is increasingly re-engaging with global financial and development institutions following the country’s progress on debt relief and economic reforms. Observers see the strengthened partnership with the IFC as a positive signal to international investors and development partners, reflecting growing confidence in Somalia’s reform trajectory.

As Somalia continues to implement its National Transformation Plan, meetings such as this highlight the government’s determination to foster international cooperation, mobilize investment, and lay the foundations for sustainable and inclusive economic growth