By Hassan Adan
Somalia’s Foreign Ministry has received the credentials of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) new Resident Representative in Somalia, Christophoros Politis, as Mogadishu seeks to deepen cooperation with the UN agency on development, institutional strengthening and economic resilience.
Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali received Politis at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation headquarters in Mogadishu, where the two sides discussed strengthening the longstanding partnership between Somalia and UNDP and aligning development cooperation with the country’s national priorities.
“Somalia highly values its longstanding partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. We look forward to strengthening this cooperation and ensuring that our partnership supports Somalia’s national development priorities, strengthens our institutions and creates greater opportunities for our people,” Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali said.
Following the presentation of credentials, Politis held talks with the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Hamza Adan Haadoow, during which the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for closer cooperation in support of Somalia’s development priorities.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding development cooperation and welcomed UNDP’s continued support for strengthening Somali government institutions and promoting sustainable economic growth.
“UNDP is committed to working closely with the Federal Government of Somalia and its partners to support a development agenda that is nationally owned, inclusive and sustainable. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Somalia and helping translate development priorities into tangible improvements in the lives of Somali people,” Politis said.
The agreement comes as Somalia seeks to strengthen its economy and reduce its reliance on humanitarian assistance by expanding employment, supporting small businesses and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
UNDP has been a key development partner in Somalia, providing technical assistance and capacity-building support in areas including governance, rule of law, economic development and environmental sustainability.
The partnership also comes as UNDP implements its new 2026–2030 Country Programme for Somalia, launched in June, which is expected to mobilize about $306.7 million over five years to support Somalia’s development priorities.
The programme places emphasis on inclusive governance, economic transformation, resilience and sustainable development while supporting Somalia’s broader national development agenda.
In May 2026, UNDP signed a five-year partnership agreement with Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports focusing on youth development, peace and security, skills development, climate action and youth employment.
The agreement seeks to expand opportunities for young Somalis through skills development, employment and other initiatives aimed at strengthening their contribution to the country’s development.
The agency has supported Somali institutions through technical assistance and capacity-building programmes covering governance, rule of law, public administration and economic development.
The partnership is also aligned with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan 2025–2029, which seeks to advance economic transformation, strengthen public institutions and improve services.
The latest MoU provides a framework for Somalia and UNDP to coordinate their efforts more closely and ensure that development cooperation remains focused on the country’s priorities.
