Somalia, Sustainable Development through improved Local Governance

The SDLG Somalia programme aims to foster inclusive local economic development (LED) by encouraging collaboration between local authorities, youth and marginalized groups in Garowe and Qardho, ultimately strengthening the social contract between the government and communities. 

Objective

Within the wider SDLG Programme, SDLG Somalia is part of the thematic priority of Security and rule of Law and focusses its efforts in the Qardho and Garowe Districts of Puntland state. The objective of this five-year programme is that local authorities and youth jointly promote inclusive local economic development (ILED). Indirect support will be provided to other Puntland districts through the Association of Local Government Authorities of Puntland (ALGAPL) so that they eventually can serve as a vehicle that enables LED networking among local governments throughout Somalia. During the implementation of the programme, there will be close cooperation with the local councils, executive committees and technical departments of the districts, as well as youth groups and CSOs.  

Approach

Local governments that are better able to fulfil their mandate in promoting Inclusive Local Economic Development (ILED) will gain greater trust from the people, thereby strengthening the social contract. In the long term, this will lead to increased legitimate stability. Within the programme, we aim to achieve this by establishing Local Economic Development (LED) Forums in the target districts. These forums will bring together various stakeholders, including local governments, women-led organisations, civil society organisations (CSOs), and private sector actors, providing a platform to address local economic challenges, identify opportunities, and coordinate efforts for sustainable development. Additionally, we will support initiatives emerging from these forums through grants. We will closely collaborate with ALGAPL, who can use this approach as a blueprint for other districts.  

Results

Since the start of the programme we have been conducting various assessments that mapped out the economic development climate of Garowe and Gardo. These assessments serve as the foundation for discussions in the forums. Additionally, the different stakeholders who need to play a role in the LED Forum have been identified, and they have been introduced to the fundamental principles of the LED concept. Through small contributions, we were also able to support local CSOs in carrying out their work. As a result, women with low literacy, among others, have been trained and are now better equipped to carry out their work in the market. In the coming period, the focus will be on establishing the forums, from which various LED initiatives will emerge. Furthermore, significant attention has been given to the development of ALGAPL, which had become inactive due to the Covid-19 crisis. The association has been revitalised through the SDLG programme, enabling them to continue the results achieved through the programme.