by BRIAN ORUTA
Tuesday December 3, 2024
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre/Handout
The Federal Government of Somalia has launched the National Transformation Plan (NTP) labs in Mogadishu, marking the beginning of an eight-week process that aims to redefine the country's socio-economic landscape.
The launch was graced by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, alongside a host of stakeholders from government institutions, civil society, the private sector, donors, and international partners.
The NTP is seen as a symbol of hope for the nation’s future.
“As the country progresses on its journey towards sustainable development, the NTP Labs are a critical instrument in helping Somalia achieve its vision for the next decade and beyond,” the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office Abdirazak Ibrahim explained.
Ibrahim noted that the labs are designed to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, facilitate the development of well-defined action plans, and promote a problem-solving mindset across all sectors.
This new approach is set to shape the course of Somalia's National Transformation Plan (NTP) I (2025-2029).
It will also enable the country to navigate towards its overarching Vision 2060, which vouches for a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous nation.
The core of the NTP Labs is to create a collaborative platform where different stakeholders—including federal ministries, Federal Member States (FMS), international partners, donors, the private sector, academia, and civil society—work together to shape the future of Somalia.
This participatory approach will ensure consensus and ownership, which are crucial for successful implementation.
The NTP is underpinned by a strong emphasis on private sector-led transformation, and the Labs have been designed to foster collaboration between public institutions and the private sector.
Here businesses will share their expertise, contribute ideas, and identify opportunities to invest in key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, livestock, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure.
“Somalia’s leadership recognizes the critical role that the private sector can play in driving economic growth and improving productivity.
“By creating opportunities for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and issuing a call for projects as part of the labs, the government has set the stage for increased private sector involvement in the development process.”
Officials said the new plan’s focus on accountability and results-based implementation is what distinguishes it from previous plans.
The NTPs will also serve as hubs for innovation, providing a structured environment for developing creative solutions to Somalia’s most pressing issues.