Somalia is taking a bold step forward in the fight against climate change, and it’s starting with its financial sector. But here’s where it gets groundbreaking: for the first time ever, Somali banks are receiving specialized training in climate finance, right in the heart of Mogadishu. This isn’t just a workshop—it’s a pivotal moment for a nation grappling with severe climate vulnerability. On Sunday, December 14, 2025, the National Climate Fund (NCF), in collaboration with the Somali Bankers Association (SBA), hosted an unprecedented training session aimed at equipping financial institutions with the tools to navigate the complex world of global climate finance.
The event wasn’t just about theory; it was a hands-on exploration of how major international climate funds operate and the untapped opportunities they offer Somalia’s private sector. And this is the part most people miss: by empowering banks to access and channel climate finance, Somalia is laying the groundwork for community-level resilience, from agriculture to energy. Attendees didn’t just listen—they shared strategies, challenges, and success stories, creating a collaborative space to drive meaningful change.
Liban Obsiye, Executive Director of the NCF, emphasized the critical role of banks in this endeavor. “Somali banks are the backbone of our economy,” he stated. “They’re not just financial institutions; they’re key enablers of our current and future climate financing efforts.” His words underscore the NCF’s commitment to fostering strong private-sector involvement in national resilience-building initiatives.
Dr. Ahmed Khadar A. Jama, CEO of the SBA, echoed this sentiment, calling the training both timely and essential. “As the global climate finance landscape evolves, Somali bankers need to stay ahead of the curve,” he explained. “This workshop isn’t just about building expertise—it’s about seizing emerging business opportunities that can propel Somalia’s economic development.”
What makes this initiative even more impactful? It’s backed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through its Pioneer Country Trials program. This program pilots innovative approaches to accessing and delivering climate finance in vulnerable countries like Somalia, providing technical and financial support to strengthen national climate planning and improve access to global funding mechanisms.
Here’s where it gets controversial: While the initiative is a significant step forward, it raises questions about scalability and long-term sustainability. Can Somalia’s banking sector truly become a driving force in climate resilience, or will it face challenges in implementing these strategies? And how will this impact the broader economic landscape? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
The National Climate Fund, a country-led mechanism, plays a central role in this effort by mobilizing, managing, and channeling climate finance for adaptation and mitigation projects across Somalia. With representatives from all Somali banks in attendance—many of which already invest in climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and energy—this training marks the beginning of a new era in Somalia’s climate action journey.
As Somalia takes this bold step, one thing is clear: the intersection of finance and climate resilience is no longer optional—it’s essential. But the real question remains: Can this initiative be the catalyst for transformative change? Let us know what you think.
