Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Outlines Ambitious Climate Agenda at Africa Summit in Addis Ababa

Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Outlines Ambitious Climate Agenda at Africa Summit in Addis Ababa

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Monday attended the opening session of the Second Africa Climate Summit, where he highlighted Somalia’s climate priorities under the government’s Climate Resilience and Green Growth Pathway.

In his address, President Mohamud stressed the urgency of accelerating adaptation efforts, expanding renewable energy, and promoting sustainable water management as Somalia battles the worsening impacts of climate change. He also underscored the importance of mobilizing climate finance to build resilience and support green economic growth.

The president presented Somalia’s recent achievements in climate action, including:

1. NDC Submission: Somalia became the first East African country to submit its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC3.0), signaling readiness to pursue ambitious climate action.

2. Tree-Planting Initiative: In 2022, Mogadishu launched the Green Somalia Initiative to plant 10 million trees, with continued implementation in 2023. 

3. Great Green Wall: Somalia pledged $10 million to the African Union-led Great Green Wall Initiative, targeting desertification and biodiversity loss. 

4. Climate Finance Framework: The government established the National Climate Fund to mobilize resources for resilience and adaptation. 

5. New Partnerships: The Green Climate Fund announced a $100 million partnership for Somalia starting in 2024, while the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Adaptation Fund are also engaging with Somali authorities. 

6. Debt Relief for Resilience: Somalia’s successful completion of the HIPC debt relief program has freed fiscal space to invest in climate resilience. 

7. Economic Reforms: The government is boosting domestic revenues, strengthening public financial management, and creating a favorable environment for investment in resilience-building.

President Mohamud positioned Somalia as a leader in East Africa’s climate response, calling on international partners to match the country’s commitments with meaningful support.

“The challenges of climate change are existential for Somalia, but they are also an opportunity to invest in renewable energy, sustainable livelihoods, and stronger institutions,” he said.

The Africa Climate Summit, hosted this year in Addis Ababa, brings together heads of state, regional leaders, and international partners to coordinate Africa’s response to the global climate crisis and secure financing for adaptation and sustainable development.