By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia Aug. 5 2026 – Somalia's government on Tuesday endorsed the World Food Programme's (WFP) five-year Country Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, saying it aligns with the country's National Transformation Plan and will strengthen food security and national institutions.
Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama made the remarks during the launch of the strategy in Mogadishu, where government officials, United Nations representatives, development partners, civil society groups and members of the private sector gathered for the event.
Jama praised the WFP for its humanitarian support during periods of drought, food insecurity and other emergencies, saying the agency had helped save lives during some of Somalia's most difficult times.
"Today we are here to recognise and support Somalia's friends, especially the World Food Programme, which stood with us during difficult days, helping save Somali lives and responding to humanitarian emergencies," Jama said.
He said the new strategy reflected Somalia's own national priorities rather than externally determined objectives because it was aligned with the government's National Transformation Plan.
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"This strategy was not developed in isolation. It is built on Somalia's National Transformation Plan and reflects the real priorities of the Somali people," he said.
According to WFP, the 2026-2030 Country Strategic Plan sets out the agency's priorities for supporting Somalia's efforts to improve food security, strengthen resilience, enhance national capacities and address humanitarian needs over the next five years. The strategy also marks the launch of WFP Somalia's collaboration with the Global Somali Diaspora.
Jama welcomed the plan's emphasis on saving lives, strengthening household resilience, supporting government institutions and improving preparedness for future crises, while expressing hope that Somalia would eventually become less dependent on humanitarian assistance.
"We also hope that one day Somalia's government and people will be able to stand on their own and no longer require this level of assistance," he said.
Somalia remains vulnerable to recurring droughts, floods and climate-related shocks that have displaced communities and left millions in need of humanitarian assistance, making food security a key priority for both the government and international partners.