Mogadishu – Somalia, long regarded as one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, is making significant strides toward carbon neutrality by coupling national policy reforms with landmark international climate finance.

 

Key Milestones Toward Net‑Zero

After a two-year programme, Somalia successfully strengthened its environment ministry’s capacity to access and manage international climate funds, culminating in a formal Green Climate Fund (GCF) Country Programme. This plan outlines five priority interventions, including renewable energy expansion and integrated flood and drought management.

In October 2024, the GCF approved nearly $95 million to launch Ugbaad, a climate-resilient agriculture initiative co-coordinated with FAO and USAID. Targeted outcomes include rehabilitating 50,000 ha of farmland, training 86,000 farmers, and directly assisting over a million people.

Somalia’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution, set in 2021, pledges a 30% reduction in greenhouse emissions by 2030 compared to its business-as-usual baseline, along with $48.5 billion in adaptation investments across water, agriculture, and forestry.

In July 2023, Somalia joined the African Union’s Great Green Wall Initiative, committing $10 million to restore degraded landscapes through tree planting and biodiversity recovery.

Moves toward gas and solar energy are reducing dependence on charcoal and diesel. Notably, Mogadishu’s BECO utility now generates 36% of daytime electricity from solar, with a goal of replacing diesel entirely by 2027.

 

Why This Matters

The GCF readiness programme not only secured funds—it also developed national procedures for project approval and inter-agency coordination, laying the groundwork for sustained climate investments.

Agriculture underpins 80–90% of Somalia’s livelihoods and contributes most of its greenhouse emissions. Projects like Ugbaad are therefore critical for climate adaptation and food sovereignty.

Somalia’s overreliance on charcoal—82% of energy use—and unchecked deforestation are being tackled through LPG promotion and large-scale reforestation under the Great Green Wall Initiative.

 

Challenges Ahead

Though capacity has improved, Somalia still relies on international agencies to implement GCF-funded projects. Gaining accreditation for domestic entities remains a priority.

Energy access is limited. Solar and gas uptake are growing, but upfront costs, financing structures, and grid infrastructure still need significant development.

Beyond initial commitments, Somalia requires long-term funding pipelines and stable policy support to achieve its NDC ambitions. Continued international backing will also be crucial.

 

Outlook

Somalia’s dual emphasis on adaptation—drought resilience, sustainable agriculture, reforestation—and mitigation through carbon reduction and renewable energy marks a strategic and principled path toward carbon neutrality. With structured GCF programming, an ambitious NDC, and active solar and gas adoption, the nation is laying a strong foundation.

Yet the true test lies in implementation. Somalia must scale these pilot projects, accredit domestic delivery agencies, and drive systemic change in energy consumption. If it sustains its momentum, Somalia could emerge as a model for climate resilience and low-carbon development in fragile contexts.