Somalia and Germany have signed a landmark €75 million development cooperation agreement aimed at tackling some of the Horn of Africa nation’s most pressing challenges — from climate change and water scarcity to education and agricultural productivity.

The agreement, announced by Minister of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development Mohamud Beenebeene, marks a deepening of six decades of partnership between the two nations. It will channel fresh resources into key sectors that are central to Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (NTP 2025–2029), a blueprint for sustainable growth and inclusive development.

“This agreement is not just about funding; it’s about hope and resilience. Germany’s continued support strengthens our vision of a Somalia that can feed itself, educate its youth, and withstand the mounting effects of climate change,” Beenebeene said after the signing ceremony.

Under the deal, new investments will focus on modernizing agriculture to improve food security and create livelihoods for rural communities — many of whom face recurrent droughts that have eroded farmlands and displaced families. Water management projects will prioritize sustainable irrigation systems and rural water access, providing lifelines to drought-stricken regions.

Germany’s contribution also extends to strengthening Somalia’s education sector, ensuring that young Somalis gain the skills needed to drive the country’s long-term transformation. Meanwhile, climate resilience programs will target both adaptation and mitigation, helping local communities adopt renewable energy solutions, restore degraded lands, and reduce their vulnerability to floods and extreme weather.

German Ambassador to Somalia, Sebastian Groth, lauded the agreement as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries.

“Our cooperation is built on mutual trust and shared values. Germany stands with Somalia as it builds a greener, more resilient future,” he said.

For Somalia, where climate change has exacerbated humanitarian crises and disrupted traditional livelihoods, the partnership comes at a crucial time. According to UN estimates, over half of Somalia’s population is affected by drought or floods each year, underscoring the urgent need for climate-smart investments.

As Somalia works toward implementing its National Transformation Plan, the government hopes that such partnerships will help lay the foundation for a more self-reliant and sustainable economy.

“This is about changing lives. With Germany’s support and our shared determination, we can build a future where every Somali benefits from stability, opportunity, and resilience,” Beenebeene emphasized.