by BRIAN ORUTA
Saturday June 13, 2026
Somalia is accelerating its push to strengthen economic growth and regional competitiveness through expanded infrastructure development and public investment, with new projects in Hirshabelle State marking a key milestone in the country’s reconstruction agenda.
In Jowhar, the capital of Hirshabelle State, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein, widely known as Ali Guudlaawe, inaugurated several major projects aimed at boosting connectivity, improving governance and supporting job creation.
The developments include Villa Hirshabelle, new headquarters for the Ministries of Education and Finance, and three strategic roads—Horseed Road, Hanti-wadaag Road and Jowhar-Bile Road—designed to improve transport links and facilitate trade within the state capital.
The projects are part of broader national efforts to rebuild infrastructure, strengthen institutions and create an enabling environment for investment, particularly targeting employment opportunities for Somalia’s growing youth population.
President Mohamud said the developments reflect progress in strengthening state capacity and advancing national development goals.
“The progress we are witnessing in Hirshabelle demonstrates the growing capacity of our Federal Member States to deliver meaningful results for citizens and contribute to Somalia’s development and stability,” he said.
“Strong institutions and modern infrastructure are essential pillars for sustainable growth, job creation and long-term prosperity.”
The newly launched roads are expected to ease movement of people and goods, reduce transport costs and improve access to markets for local businesses, with analysts noting that improved infrastructure is key to unlocking Somalia’s economic potential and deepening regional trade integration.
Hirshabelle President Ali Guudlaawe described the projects as a turning point in the state’s development trajectory, reaffirming commitment to institutional strengthening and service delivery.
“This milestone is part of what Hirshabelle is focusing on development and making the state one of the best-performing Federal Member States in Somalia,” he said.
“We remain committed to investing in infrastructure, public services, education and economic development to improve the quality of life of our citizens.”
The inauguration ceremony brought together senior government officials, lawmakers, business leaders and community representatives, who welcomed the projects as a sign of improving stability and renewed investor confidence in the region.
The developments come as Somalia continues to expand investment in roads, public institutions and essential services as part of its broader economic recovery strategy.
Authorities say these efforts are central to improving governance, creating jobs and positioning the country more competitively within the East African economy.
With sustained infrastructure investment, Somalia hopes to strengthen regional integration, attract private sector participation and support long-term economic transformation driven by improved connectivity and institutional development.