Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre officially laid the foundation today for the new headquarters of the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy in Mogadishu today, a project valued at nearly $3 million.
The new facility is funded by the World Bank through the Badmal Project, which aims to strengthen the sustainable management of marine resources and empower coastal communities in Somalia to more effectively benefit from their fisheries resources.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Hamza emphasized the critical role the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy plays in Somalia’s economic development, noting that much of the nation’s wealth comes from its maritime resources.
"Blue economy is vital, and Somalia must benefit from it. This is where Somalia’s prosperous future will begin, through exploiting its fisheries and untapped marine resources," said Prime Minister Hamza.
He further highlighted that Somalia’s future growth is tied to the maritime sector, and the new headquarters will be central in boosting the country’s economic development.
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The new headquarters will be located in the Abdi Casiis District, the site of the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy during the time of the former central government, but which has since been occupied by the Somali Immigration and Naturalization Agency.
Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aden, also addressed the attendees, calling the day historic for the ministry. He underscored the ministry’s efforts to modernize and enhance its competitiveness within the Somali government.
"Today is a significant day as the ministry is rebuilding and enhancing its capacity to compete with other government ministries," said Minister Ahmed Hassan Aden.
The old building will be demolished to make way for the new structure, which will consist of four floors and accommodate up to 500 employees, according to the Minister of Fisheries.
The Badmal Project, funded by the World Bank, is a key component of Somalia's strategy to improve the management of its fisheries, support coastal communities, and enhance the overall blue economy sector. The project also includes creating humanitarian corridors and enhancing community capacity to better capitalize on marine resources.
The new headquarters will be instrumental in strengthening Somalia's logistics capacity, boosting the blue economy, and increasing the country’s income, contributing to the overall advancement of Somalia's maritime industry.
