Somalia's Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Monday unveiled an ambitious five-year National Transformation Plan (NTP 2025-2029), just hours after announcing a major cabinet reshuffle, signalling a renewed push for governance reforms, economic recovery, and national stability.
The plan, which Barre said has been in development for months and involved contributions from over 400 experts, is set to replace the National Development Plan 9 (NDP9), shifting towards a more results-driven approach. It was approved by the Council of Ministers and aligns with Somalia's long-term Vision 2060, a national roadmap to transform Somalia into a stable, democratic, and economically resilient nation.
At the Mogadishu launch ceremony, Prime Minister Hamza hailed the NTP 2025-2029 as a cornerstone for Somalia's long-term development.
"This plan is a bold step toward tangible transformation. It reflects the aspirations of the Somali people and serves as a blueprint for a future built on stability, economic growth, and strong governance," said Hamza.
The NTP 2025-2029 replaces the National Development Plan 9 (NDP9) and aligns with Somalia's Vision 2060, a long-term strategy for national stability and economic growth. It is built on four central pillars:
Governance Reform – Strengthening transparency, rule of law, and institutional capacity, alongside reforming security sector governance to enhance stability.
Sustainable Economic Growth – Expanding trade and investment opportunities, improving infrastructure, and fostering private sector development.
Social Development and Human Capital – Enhancing education, healthcare, and social welfare systems, focusing on women, youth, and vulnerable communities.
The launch comes as Somalia faces a delicate balancing act: battling Al-Shabaab insurgents, restoring public confidence in government institutions, and attracting foreign investment in a volatile economic climate.
Since gaining independence in 1960, Somalia has adopted nine national development plans, but gaps in execution—exacerbated by conflict, corruption, and political fragmentation—have left many of these strategies unrealized.
The NDP-9 was a comprehensive strategy focused on poverty reduction and inclusive growth, organized around four pillars: Inclusive Politics, Security and Rule of Law, Economic Development, and Social Development. Despite facing challenges such as locust infestations, droughts, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the plan laid foundational frameworks for governance and economic policies.
A mid-term review by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank acknowledged Somalia's progress in political representation and engagement initiatives under NDP-9. However, it also highlighted the need for improved implementation mechanisms and data collection to monitor and evaluate development projects effectively.
The NTP 2025-2029 seeks to change that trajectory by implementing a data-driven, results-oriented approach to governance and economic reform.
Somalia's Minister of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development, Mohamed Abdirahman Sheekh Farah (Beenebeene), framed the plan as a shift from fragmented development policies toward a more holistic, actionable strategy.
"This is not just another government initiative. It is a bold and actionable commitment to real transformation. It reflects the aspirations of the Somali people and lays the foundation for a brighter future," he said.
The launch of the National Transformation Plan came on the same day as a sweeping cabinet reshuffle, in which Barre replaced and reassigned several key ministers, including those responsible for defence, trade, transport, and economic development.
Among the major changes:
Abdikhadir Mohamed Nuur, formerly Minister of Defense, was reassigned as Minister of Ports and Sea Transport.
Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi was appointed Minister of Defense, taking over the country's security portfolio as Somalia continues its campaign against Al-Shabaab.
Mahmoud Ahmed Aadan (Geesood) was named Minister of Trade and Industry, a key role in Somalia's push to attract investment and economic expansion.
Mohamed Aden Mohamed (Baydhabo Janaay) was appointed Deputy Minister of Planning, Investment & Economic Development, placing him at the heart of the NTP's execution strategy.
For a country long defined by conflict and uncertainty, the success of this initiative could be a defining moment for Somalia's future. The plan's success hinges on practical implementation, requiring coordinated efforts among federal ministries, state governments, and private sector investors. Strengthening oversight mechanisms and engaging with international donors for funding and technical support are also pivotal.
