Nairobi, Kenya — Somalia has taken center stage in continental urban development discussions as a high-level delegation participates in the Second Africa Cities Forum, officially opened today in Nairobi.
Representing the country is a senior delegation led by Saciid Mohamed Mohamud (Xayd), State Minister at the Ministry of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing, alongside Jibril Ibrahim Abdulle, Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya and Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat.
Mogadishu at the Heart of Urban Transformation
As Somalia engages in high-level discussions, the spotlight is firmly on Mogadishu—a city undergoing rapid transformation after decades of conflict. With its population growing quickly and infrastructure under pressure, Mogadishu represents both the challenges and opportunities facing African cities today.
Somali officials are using the forum to highlight Mogadishu’s urgent need for:
Sustainable urban planning
Infrastructure investment
Affordable housing development
Climate-resilient city strategies
A Continental Platform for Change
The three-day forum has attracted more than 10,000 participants from across Africa, making it one of the largest gatherings focused on urban development on the continent. The event brings together policymakers, investors, urban planners, and development partners to address the rapid expansion of African cities.
Key discussions include:
Managing fast urban population growth
Boosting investment in infrastructure
Strengthening political cooperation between African cities
Driving innovation in urban planning and smart city solutions
Somalia’s Strategic Vision
For Somalia, participation in the forum is part of a broader strategy to position Mogadishu as a future-ready capital capable of attracting international investment and fostering sustainable growth.
Officials emphasize that rebuilding Mogadishu is not just a national priority but a regional opportunity. With improved governance, planning, and partnerships, the city could emerge as a key economic hub in the Horn of Africa.
Looking Ahead
As conversations continue in Kenya, Somalia’s delegation is expected to engage with international partners to secure technical support and investment for Mogadishu’s urban development agenda.
The forum highlights a critical moment for African cities—and for Mogadishu, a chance to redefine its future on the global stag
