Overview

The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) is honoured to present its first Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), submitted on 12 July 2022. This landmark report offers a valuable opportunity to assess progress, acknowledge challenges, and chart a renewed path forward. Situated in the Horn of Africa with Africa’s longest coastline and a diverse terrain, Somalia has undergone profound transformation since emerging from 23 years of civil strife and adopting the Provisional Constitution in 2012, which established the Federal Republic comprising the FGS and Federal Member States (FMS). Despite high vulnerability to climate change, rapid urbanisation, and recurrent climate-conflict pressures, Somalia has advanced key national priorities, including state-building, peaceful political transitions, and the development of the Ninth National Development Plan (NDP-9) aligned with the SDGs. Anchored in the principle of Leaving No One Behind, policies now increasingly target youth, women, internally displaced persons, and people with disabilities. Significant progress has also been made in strengthening national statistical systems through the establishment of the Somalia National Bureau of Statistics (SNBS), the implementation of the Statistics Law (2020), and the development of digital SDG monitoring tools, which together lay the foundation for evidence-based planning and a more inclusive, resilient future.

Recommendations

Strengthen institutional capacity: Expand training, staffing, and infrastructure across justice, policing, corrections, and governance systems to ensure effective and sustainable service delivery.
Accelerate legal and policy reforms: Finalise the Justice and Corrections Model, update outdated laws, and improve enforcement mechanisms to enhance accountability and rule of law.
Improve coordination between FGS and FMS: Harmonise policies, security arrangements, and service delivery frameworks to reduce fragmentation and support consistent national progress.
Enhance anti-corruption systems: Consolidate existing reforms, expand multi-year anti-corruption programmes, and strengthen oversight bodies to build public trust.
Promote gender equality and inclusion: Increase women’s participation in justice, security, and political processes, and ensure rights-based approaches across all reforms.
Invest in peacebuilding and reconciliation: Deepen implementation of the National Reconciliation Framework and ensure Somali-owned processes drive unity and long-term stability.
Improve data systems and monitoring: Strengthen national statistics, sectoral reporting, and SDG tracking to support evidence-based planning and improve future VNRs.
Expand focus to neglected SDGs: Integrate SDG 10, SDG 11, SDG 12, and SDG 17 into national planning to ensure balanced progress and avoid gaps in reporting and implementation.

Conclusion

Somalia’s first VNR reflects a nation in transition—rebuilding institutions, strengthening governance, and advancing the SDGs despite complex challenges driven by climate shocks, insecurity, and constrained resources. The progress achieved under NDP-9, including improvements in state-building, service delivery, data systems, and inclusive policies for youth, women, IDPs, and persons with disabilities, demonstrates Somalia’s resilience and commitment to Leaving No One Behind. Continued investment in peace, climate adaptation, human capital, and economic transformation remains essential. With stronger partnerships, enhanced financing, and sustained political will, Somalia is determined to accelerate SDG implementation and build a stable, prosperous, and inclusive future for all its people.

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Location

Government of Somalia, Mogadishu, Somalia

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Region

No Poverty

Score 0
Justification	Poverty in Somalia remains severe, with 69% of the population living below the poverty line in 2017, rising from 43% in 2002 due to conflict, political fragility, insecurity, and recurrent climate shocks. Poverty is highest among pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, and Internally Displaced Person (IDPs) at 69%, compared with 60% in urban areas. IDPs, representing 17% of the population in 2019, are the most affected, with three out of four living on less than $1.90 per day. Repeated droughts have accelerated displacement and pushed Somalia towards rapid urbanisation, with 50% of the population projected to be urbanised within the next four years, intensifying poverty and inequality.
Challenges	Somalia faces frequent droughts and floods, with 232 people per 100,000 affected in 2018. Persistent conflict, weak institutions, and insecurity hinder poverty reduction. Rapid urbanisation driven by climate shocks poses heavy pressure on already fragile infrastructure and public services. High displacement continues to strain resources, particularly in informal settlements.
Progress/ Solution	The Government has strengthened disaster management by establishing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management (MoHADM) in 2017, which led the drought response and created the Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre to coordinate risk management. Social protection measures have advanced through the National Social Protection Policy (2019) and the launch of the Baxnaano programme, providing nutrition-linked cash transfers to 188,677 households and reaching more than one million vulnerable people. These initiatives aim to enhance resilience and protect poor households from shocks.
Unsolved Challenges	· Recurrent climate emergencies continue to cause loss of lives, livestock, and crops, leaving households exposed to repeated shocks. Institutional capacity remains limited for delivering wide-scale social protection. Inequality is rising as urban centres expand faster than services can accommodate. Poverty remains deeply entrenched among IDPs, pastoralists, and low-income urban residents, with displacement expected to grow due to ongoing droughts and environmental stress.

Zero Hunger

Score :0
Justification	Somalia faces acute nutrition and food security challenges, with 27% of children under five stunted, 12% wasted, 6% severely wasted, and 21% underweight. An estimated 1.2 million children under five are likely malnourished, including 231,000 SAM cases. Food insecurity affects 79% of adults, and in 2022, 4.8 million people (31%) were already in IPC Phase 3 or higher. Rising food prices, reduced cereal production, and climate shocks worsen the situation. Agriculture contributes 52% of GDP, 80% of employment, and 90% of exports, yet receives only 1.54% of government expenditure, limiting the country’s capacity to respond.
Challenges	Moderate or severe food insecurity remains widespread at 79%, with cereal and imported food prices rising above five-year averages. Conflict, drought, flooding, and displacement continuously undermine nutrition gains. Agriculture suffers from low productivity, climate vulnerability, and major skills gaps, while receiving only 1.54% of government spending. Livestock exports face volatility due to repeated bans linked to Rift Valley Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease. The 2019 locust invasion caused large-scale crop and rangeland destruction, intensifying pressures on rural livelihoods.
Progress/ Solution	Nutrition improvements are evident, with severe malnutrition reduced from 17% to 10%, and stunting falling from 38% in 2006 to 27% in 2019. Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU) provides the evidence base for emergency and long-term planning. Humanitarian assistance reached 1.3 million people in January 2022 and 2 million in February 2022. The Government strengthened agriculture through the establishment of Somalia Aid Information Management System (SARIS), review of chemical regulation, and climate-resilient value chain initiatives. Following the 2019 locust invasion, 155,495 hectares were targeted for pest control, 59,620 households received agricultural inputs, and 16,889 hectares gained improved irrigation. In livestock, 14.4 million goats from 360,000 households were vaccinated, and 3.5 million livestock accessed veterinary services.
Unsolved Challenges	Acute malnutrition persists at scale, with 1.2 million children still at risk. Food insecurity continues to outpace humanitarian support, driven by newly displaced populations and worsening household consumption gaps. Rising global wheat prices from the war in Ukraine threaten further deterioration. Long-term agricultural resilience remains constrained by weak institutional capacity, climate shocks, and limited investment. Livestock vulnerability to disease outbreaks and export bans continues to destabilise the wider economy.

Good Health

Score: 0
Justification	Somalia’s health sector remains severely underfunded, with only 1.3% of government spending allocated to health. The private sector dominates service delivery, providing 60% of health services and 70% of medicines, yet operates largely without regulation or quality oversight. Weak coordination, limited data, inadequate training institutions, and a shortage of qualified professionals restrict the country’s ability to meet population needs, particularly for women and children. High maternal mortality (692 per 100,000), neonatal mortality (43 per 1,000), infant mortality (91 per 1,000), and low antenatal care coverage underscore the urgency of systemic health reform.
Challenges	Weak regulatory capacity leaves most private providers unmonitored, limiting quality and accountability. Only 41% of the population (5.7 million) has partial EPHS coverage, and public health worker density remains critically low at 0.43 per 1,000, far below the World Health Organisation (WHO) threshold of 2.28. Out-of-pocket spending accounts for 46% of health expenditure, creating inequities. Maternal and child health indicators remain poor: only 31% of women access skilled antenatal care, only 11% receive postnatal checks, and 68% receive none. Socio-cultural barriers including male decision-making authority and early marriage (36% married before 18) further hinder care.
Progress/ Solution	Government capacity and international support have expanded essential services, including 488,745 outpatient consultations, 76,238 child immunisations, 87,564 antenatal care visits, 5,958 facility-based deliveries, and 516,334 health promotion activities. The 2020 Somalia Health and Demographic Survey assessed over 100,000 households, improving the national evidence base. The Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Roadmap 2019–2023 sets clear goals for service expansion and emergency protection. The updated EPHS (2020) strengthened coordination, and maternal mortality declined from 732 (2015) to 692 per 100,000. Somalia administered 2.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to 1.3 million people, covering 17% of the population, and expanded Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity and testing facilities.
Unsolved Challenges	Large gaps persist in service coverage, quality regulation, and workforce capacity. Health outcomes remain among the worst globally, with persistent high mortality rates and widespread under-reporting. The EPHS remains fragmented, and financing remains insufficient to scale services. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) services struggle to meet Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 targets, with low detection and treatment adherence. COVID-19 highlighted the fragility of the system, and ongoing data gaps such as missing child mortality indicators continue to impede planning. Gender norms, early pregnancies, and limited access for rural and nomadic communities further delay progress toward universal, equitable care.

Quality Education

Score: 1
Justification	Education is a fundamental human right under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Somalia’s Provisional Constitution, which guarantees free education up to secondary level. Somalia’s education system collapsed after 1991, leaving generations without access to learning. Reviving the sector is essential to break the poverty cycle, strengthen well-being, and support economic growth. Significant disparities persist: 47% of females and 44% of males aged six and above have never attended school, and children from poor households are 50% less likely to access formal schooling.
Challenges	Enrolment remains very low, with a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of only 14% and just 171,000 learners in lower primary compared to 1.2 million eligible children. Net Attendance Ratio (NAR) is 23% for boys and 21% for girls at primary, and 16% for males versus 13% for females at secondary. Gender disparities persist, with men 23% more likely to complete secondary or higher education. Rural and Internally Displaced Person (IDP) communities face limited access, while teacher qualifications remain inadequate. Youth unemployment remains high due to poor labour market skills.
Progress/ Solution	The Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education (MoECHE) has strengthened governance through the Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP), National Education Policy, Special Educational Needs Disability and Inclusive Education (SEND & IE) Policy, Gender Policy, General Education Act, Teacher Policy, and the National Curriculum Framework. The national curriculum was approved in 2017 and distributed nationwide. With international partners, the Government supported 377,213 children to attend school, trained 2,217 teachers, and built or re-occupied 27 public schools. Primary completion rose from 4% (2006) to 15.5% (2016), and secondary completion reached 65.4% (2019). Literacy among young women improved from 32% (2006) to 44.4% (2019). Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) have also strengthened coordination.
Unsolved Challenges	Literacy and enrolment gaps remain substantial, especially for girls and rural/IDP populations. Primary school survival is low, and many children still miss out on basic education. Persistent inequality between male and female attendance and completion has not been resolved. Financial and technical constraints within Federal Member States continue to impede full implementation of national policies, while teacher quality and school infrastructure remain insufficient to meet growing demand.

Gender Equality

Score: 0
Justification	Somalia’s patriarchal and clan-based social structures—worsened by prolonged conflict continue to subordinate women and restrict their participation in social, economic and political life. Although the Provisional Constitution guarantees equality, limited institutional capacity prevents full implementation. Persistent exposure to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) further undermines women’s rights, mobility, security and development. These structural inequalities hinder progress towards national stability and sustainable development.
Challenges	High levels of GBV persist, with 72% of GBV cases reported as IPV and 13% rape. Social stigma, weak enforcement of laws, and reliance on customary systems limit justice for survivors. FGM remains widespread, with 99% prevalence among women aged 15–49 and 64% subjected to Pharaonic (Type III) cutting. Strong beliefs—72% of rural women and 78% of nomadic women viewing FGM as a religious obligation—hinder abandonment. IDPs face extreme vulnerability, with 74% of GBV victims being displaced women. Limited specialised GBV services, inadequate shelters, and long distances to schools, health facilities and water points heighten risks. Economic insecurity, worsened by COVID-19, continues to affect women’s safety and livelihoods.
Progress/ Solution	The Government, led by the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development (MoWHD) and supported by international partners, has accelerated action on gender equality. The Somali Women’s Charter (2019)—developed through broad participation of 350 Somali women and leaders and reaching 207,150 people online—sets out collective demands for rights and representation. The Sexual Offences Bill was approved by Cabinet in 2018, and Somaliland and Puntland have already enacted Sexual Offences Laws. GBV service provision has expanded, with over 7,200 GBV cases recorded in 2016 and 1,600 cases in early 2022, informing targeted interventions. Campaigns such as ‘Dear Daughter’ are promoting FGM abandonment, supported by Article 15(4) of the Provisional Constitution which defines FGM as torture. There has also been growth in women’s political participation, with 20% of seats won by women in the 2022 elections.
Unsolved Challenges	Key gaps remain in passing and implementing the Sexual Offences Bill, scaling up GBV prevention and survivor services, and addressing deeply rooted social norms supporting IPV, early marriage and FGM. Persistent underinvestment in gender equality, limited financial access for women candidates, and clan-based selection processes continue to restrict meaningful political participation. The lack of legal protection against FGM, uneven awareness of existing laws, and continued reliance on outdated penal codes impede justice and protection for women and girls. Comprehensive national implementation, consistent monitoring and behavioural change at community level remain unmet needs.

Water & Sanitation

Score:0
Justification	Water scarcity affects more than 40% of the global population and is expected to rise further as temperatures increase. Although 2.1 billion people have gained improved water and sanitation infrastructure since 1990, dwindling potable water supplies now affect every continent, with many countries experiencing rising water stress, drought and desertification. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Seoul Policy Centre warns that by 2050 at least one in four people will face recurring water shortages. Achieving safe and affordable drinking water for all requires government investment in infrastructure, sanitation facilities, public hygiene, and the restoration of water-related ecosystems.
Challenges	Somalia’s access to safe and adequate water supplies remains low despite investments by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), multilateral development banks, and the private sector. Recurrent droughts intensify water shortages and increase contamination risks. Access to improved sanitation is markedly limited for poor households, and fewer than half of schools and health facilities have clean water and sanitation. Additionally, 12% of households travel 30 minutes or longer to obtain water. Only 40% of the population uses basic sanitation services, including 33.6% of the rural and 49.5% of the urban population.
Progress/ Solution	Despite limited resources, Somalia has recorded progress in key water and sanitation indicators. The proportion of people practising open defecation declined from 35% in 2015 to 18% in 2019. The population using basic drinking water services increased from 29% in 2006 to 66% in 2019. In 2019, 79% of the urban, 54% of the rural, and 19% of the nomadic population used basic drinking water services. Overall, 67% of households use an improved water source, and 43% have piped water to their home or plot. Developing a national policy for sustainable water management remains essential for strengthening resilience.
Unsolved Challenges	Sustainable water management remains unmet due to the absence of a strong national policy framework, limited investment capacity, and persistent environmental pressures. Rural, nomadic and low-income communities continue to face substantial disparities in water and sanitation access. Drought-driven contamination, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient services in schools and clinics remain unresolved. Achieving universal access by 2030 will require substantial improvements in governance, financing, ecosystem protection and service expansion.

Clean Energy

Score: 1
Justification	Energy access, particularly electricity, is a key driver of economic growth. Somalia has made limited progress due to inadequate infrastructure and a weak regulatory framework. The proportion of the population with access to electricity decreased from 52% in 2017 to 49% in 2019. With no national grid, electricity delivery relies on isolated mini-grids, resulting in inefficiency and some of the highest electricity prices in the world.
Challenges	Limited regulation and oversight, monopoly control of distribution in some areas, acute shortages of skilled workers, and up to 40% generation and distribution losses hinder progress. High tariffs arise from fragmented systems and inefficient infrastructure. Persistent insecurity, political instability, and insufficient generation capacity further constrain sector development. Most households continue to rely on firewood, charcoal, and animal dung for cooking, causing harmful indoor air pollution.
Progress/ Solution	Over 90% of power in urban and peri-urban areas is supplied by the private sector through diesel-based mini-grids of 500–5,000 kVA capacity. Each Electricity Service Provider (ESP) owns and operates localised generation–distribution systems. Proposed solutions include developing renewable and non-renewable energy sources, establishing a national regulatory authority, strengthening the technical capacity of federal and state energy ministries, and ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable groups in energy sector interventions. Reforms to improve market regulation and expand supply aim to increase national energy access from 15% to 45% by 2030.
Unsolved Challenges	Somalia still lacks a national grid, coordinated electricity governance, and adequate legislation to regulate the energy market. Energy access remains severely restricted for the majority of the population, while demand continues to grow. Inefficiencies in isolated power systems, high costs, and weak institutional capacity remain unresolved. Achieving SDG 7 by 2030 requires accelerated regulatory reform, expanded investment, and stronger national energy governance.

Decent Work

Score: 1
Justification	Somalia has made significant progress in macroeconomic stability despite a history of conflict, infrastructure collapse, and economic disruption. The economy is dominated by the livestock sector, contributing 30% of GDP and over 50% of exports, with nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralists making up 30% of the population. Remittances, growing diaspora investment, and a fast-developing financial sector have contributed to a more predictable business environment. Economic recovery is further supported by the revival from the 2017 drought and slow recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Challenges	The economy faces persistent challenges from drought, locust invasions, Covid-19, and global oil crises. Inflation increased to 6.84% in January 2022, driven by rising costs in food, housing, energy, transport, and healthcare. The trade deficit remains high ($1,262,750,256 in Q4-2021). Youth unemployment is 37.4%, higher for females at 40.8%, while the employment-to-population ratio is only 25.5%. The informal sector dominates employment but is unstable, low-paid, and lacks social protection.
Progress/ Solution	The Federal Government of Somalia has implemented structural, legislative, and institutional reforms. Corporate and sales tax reintroduction increased revenue by over 80%, from $671.8 million in 2021 to $918.7 million in 2022. Somalia qualified for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, reducing debt from $5.2 billion to £557 million. GDP grew by 2.9% in 2021 after a contraction of 0.3% in 2020. Per capita income rose from $440 in 2016 to $557 in 2018, and registered businesses increased from 1,200 in 2016 to 3,046 in 2018. Exports, particularly livestock, crops, and animal skin products, rose by 10.21% in Q4-2021, with livestock contributing $110 million in Q1-2021. Services employment constitutes 59.9% of total employment, and efforts are underway to formalize the informal sector, which employs 83.1% of the workforce.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite reforms, structural vulnerabilities remain. Somalia’s economy depends heavily on remittances and livestock exports. The formalisation of the informal sector is incomplete, and economic diversification beyond services, agriculture, and livestock is limited. Inflation pressures and climate-related shocks continue to threaten food security and economic stability. Achieving sustainable and inclusive growth requires stronger regulatory frameworks, investment in infrastructure, and expanded employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women.

Industry & Infrastructure

Score: 1
Justification	Somalia’s infrastructure suffered extensive damage during the conflict. Restoration is crucial for post-conflict recovery and peace consolidation, with effective infrastructure acting as a barometer of stability. The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector has emerged as a key economic driver, contributing to employment and business growth despite broader infrastructural challenges.
Challenges	Somalia lacks critical digital infrastructure, including Internet backbone and broadband services. Insecurity prevents backbone connectivity between main cities, limiting high-speed Internet access in South and Central Somalia. Implementing efficient tax collection under the Communications Act remains difficult, with private companies asserting their significant investment in infrastructure.
Progress/ Solution	The ICT sector comprises 11 operators and 4 million mobile connections, with tele-density at 7% but Internet usage rising rapidly. 3G mobile data access increased from 38.7% in 2016 to 65.2% in 2017, while 4G services were introduced in late 2018 in Mogadishu and surrounding regions. The National Communications Law (Telecoms Act, 2017) enabled the establishment of a National Communications Regulatory Commission (NCRC). Private sector investment has largely driven mobile and Internet infrastructure, ensuring competitive pricing and accessibility.
Unsolved Challenges	Digital connectivity remains uneven, with rural and conflict-affected areas underserved. The absence of state-provided infrastructure and limited regulatory capacity hampers the sector’s full potential. Sustained investment, improved security, and stronger government oversight are required to enhance nationwide ICT access and leverage infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth and post-conflict stability.

Inequality

Reduced Inequalities: Score: No Information/ VNR did not address SDG 10

Sustainable Cities

Sustainable Cities and Communities: Score: No Information/ VNR did not address SDG 11

Responsible Consumption

Responsible Consumption and Production: Score : No Information/ VNR did not address SDG 12

Climate Action

Score:1
Justification	Somalia is highly vulnerable to climate change, experiencing frequent droughts, floods, cyclones, and locust infestations. These disasters threaten food security, destroy ecosystems, displace populations, and strain the climate-sensitive economy reliant on agriculture, livestock, water, and forestry. The 2021 drought affected 4.5 million people and displaced 700,000, highlighting urgent adaptation needs.
Challenges	Current national climate adaptation efforts are modest relative to the scale of needs. Limited domestic financial resources, weak institutional capacity, and ongoing insecurity constrain effective implementation. Climate disasters continue to exacerbate humanitarian and economic vulnerabilities.
Progress/ Solution	The Somali Government established the Federal Directorate of Environment and Climate Change (FDECC) and developed the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) to build resilience and guide adaptive interventions. Five districts in Puntland State have District Climate Adaptation Plans, and the IGAD Climate Change Research Centre in Mogadishu supports data collection and research. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management (MoHADM) created the Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre and launched the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR) aligned with the Sendai Framework. The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources developed the National Water Resource Strategy 2021–2025. Somalia became a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement, committing to reduce projected emissions of 107.40 MtCO₂eq by 30% by 2030.
Unsolved Challenges	Significant international and domestic financial support is required to realise national adaptation plans and meet the 2030 SDGs. Gaps remain in funding, technical capacity, and coordination to scale interventions, particularly for rural, nomadic, and conflict-affected populations.

Life Below Water

Score:1
Justification	Somalia has a coastline of 3,330 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 825,052 km², containing one of the most productive Large Marine Ecosystems (LME) in the Indian Ocean. This region generates high potential revenue from fisheries, estimated at US$4–17 million per year, but the sector remains underutilized due to limited infrastructure, underdevelopment, and focus on livestock. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has been estimated at US$306 million, highlighting missed economic opportunities.
Challenges	The sector faces inadequate infrastructure, lack of clarity in federal and state powers, and limited enforcement of fisheries laws. Utilization of marine resources is constrained by political, administrative, and regulatory gaps.
Progress/ Solution	Somalia has reduced piracy, resolved EEZ disputes under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and implemented measures against illegal fishing. Proposed interventions include: development of a National Fisheries Law, enhancing regulatory and administrative capacity at Federal and State levels, promoting fish value chains, ensuring inclusion of women, youth, and displaced persons, and integrating environmental protection into all interventions.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite the rich marine resources and economic potential, Somalia’s fisheries sector remains underdeveloped. Implementation of effective legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, and sustainable practices is needed to maximise economic benefits, create jobs, and support poverty reduction.

Life on Land

Score :1
Justification	Somalia, covering 637,657 km², has the longest coastline (3,330 km) in continental Africa. The country faces severe environmental degradation due to climate change, deforestation, unsustainable charcoal and firewood use, weak governance, and lack of waste management. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates 8.2 million trees were cut for charcoal between 2011 and 2017. Environmental degradation has caused soil fertility loss, water scarcity, food insecurity, and increased vulnerability to floods and droughts, affecting livelihoods, particularly of rural populations.
Challenges	Somalia lacks updated national environmental laws; pre-1991 laws are outdated, and enforcement is weak at Federal and State levels. Deforestation, overexploitation of rivers and pastures, unregulated waste disposal, illegal charcoal export, and absence of environmental standards in industry exacerbate degradation. Limited research and data hinder evidence-based policy.
Progress/ Solution	The Federal Government of Somalia developed a National Environmental Policy (NEP) in 2019 to promote sustainable resource management and improve health and life quality. The Directorate of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) under the Office of the Prime Minister works to advance environmental issues. Steps forward include reviewing and enacting new legislations aligned with the NEP, building institutional capacity, strengthening enforcement at Federal and State levels, and monitoring environmental changes using scientific data.
Unsolved Challenges	Significant gaps remain in enforcement, policy implementation, and legislative harmonisation across States. Climate change, rapid urbanisation, and population growth continue to strain natural resources. Addressing Life on Land (SDG 15) requires urgent adoption of updated laws, strengthened governance, and sustained financial and technical support.

Peace & Justice

Score: 0
Justification	Somalia cannot achieve sustainable development without peace, security, and prosperity. Three decades of conflict have severely damaged economic infrastructure, security, and justice institutions, limiting access to fair and equitable justice and undermining state-building efforts. Strengthening justice, policing, anti-corruption measures, and reconciliation is essential for stability and socio-economic development.
Challenges	Somalia continues to face significant challenges, including weak infrastructure and limited trained personnel across justice, corrections, and policing systems, alongside ineffective enforcement of laws and weak oversight mechanisms. Corruption remains a concern despite recent reforms, with historically low global rankings reflecting persistent governance weaknesses, while traditional Xeer systems still fall short in fully protecting individual rights. Progress is further hindered by the incomplete political agreements on justice and corrections arrangements, delaying the finalisation of essential institutional frameworks.
Progress/ Solution	Somalia has advanced justice sector reforms through the Ministry of Justice and Judicial Affairs (MoJJA), implementing the National Legal Aid Policy (2016) and integrating traditional Xeer mechanisms with state justice systems while safeguarding gender, child, and clan equity. Work continues on the Justice and Corrections Model, supported by the Joint Corrections Programme (JCP), which strengthens prisons, staff capacity, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Anti-corruption efforts have progressed with the Anti-Corruption Law (2019), the establishment of the Somali Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (SIACC) in 2021, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), and full engagement with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). Policing reforms under the New Policing Model and the Federal Police Act (2020) enhance coordination across Federal and Federal Member State (FMS) levels, improve Criminal Investigation Departments (CID), strengthen prosecution collaboration, and introduce gender-responsive measures including specialised units for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Peace and reconciliation efforts are guided by the National Reconciliation Framework (NRF, 2019), supported by the Somali Transition Plan and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS, 2022), which is facilitating the handover of security responsibilities to Somali forces by 2024.
Unsolved Challenges	Somalia continues to advance justice, policing, and corrections reforms across all Federal Member States (FMS), but full implementation remains ongoing. Sustained capacity building is essential to ensure gender-inclusive, rights-based, and equitable access to justice nationwide. Anti-corruption efforts require further consolidation through multi-year programmes and strengthened accountability mechanisms. Lasting peacebuilding and reconciliation depend on continued Somali ownership and close alignment between national and regional leadership under the National Reconciliation Framework (NRF) and the Somali Transition Plan.

Partnerships

Partnership and means of Implementation: Score: No Information/ VNR did not address SDG 17

SDGs World Progress: Severely Off-Track

SDGs World Progress: No Progress

Country Challenges

Persistent insecurity and conflict: Ongoing insecurity, localised conflicts, and the slow pace of stabilisation continue to weaken state institutions, disrupt service delivery, and obstruct progress across multiple SDGs.
Weak governance and institutional capacity: Limited administrative capacity, incomplete federalisation arrangements, and delays in finalising justice, policing, and decentralisation frameworks hinder effective policy implementation and long-term planning.
Widespread poverty and humanitarian dependence: High poverty rates, recurrent displacement, and reliance on humanitarian aid reduce national resilience and make sustainable development difficult to achieve.
Climate vulnerability and environmental degradation: Somalia is highly affected by droughts, floods, desertification, and climate-induced displacement, undermining agriculture, water security, food systems, and coastal livelihoods.
Limited infrastructure and basic services: Insufficient roads, energy access, water and sanitation systems, and digital connectivity impede progress in health, education, economic development, and service delivery.
Economic fragility and reliance on primary sectors: Dependence on livestock and rain-fed agriculture, limited job creation, and weak private-sector development restrict opportunities for inclusive growth.
Gaps in data, monitoring, and institutional coordination: Weak statistical capacity limits evidence-based policymaking and SDG tracking, affecting the ability to prioritise interventions and measure progress accurately.
Social inequalities and vulnerability: Gender disparities, youth unemployment, and marginalisation of minority groups impede progress towards inclusive and equitable development.
Corruption and weak accountability mechanisms: Despite recent reforms, corruption, weak oversight, and limited transparency continue to undermine governance, public trust, and resource efficiency.
Insufficient coverage of SDGs in the VNR: Several key SDGs—such as SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—are not fully addressed in the (VNR), creating major gaps in reporting, planning, and implementation.

Country Lessons Learned

Strengthening Integrated Governance Improves SDG Outcomes: Countries benefit from establishing clear, coordinated institutional frameworks to manage cross-sectoral SDG policies. Integrated governance reduces duplication, enhances accountability, and supports coherent implementation.
Investing in Human Capital Accelerates Long-Term Progress: Expanding access to quality education, healthcare, and social protection strengthens resilience and productivity. Human capital investments consistently produce broad, long-term gains across multiple SDGs.
Sustainable Resource Management is Essential for Future Stability: Effective management of water, land, and marine ecosystems helps safeguard economic and social development. This includes adopting ecosystem-based approaches, enforcing environmental regulations, and promoting circular-economy practices.
Economic Diversification Reduces Vulnerability to Shocks: Countries that broaden their economic base—from agriculture to manufacturing, services, and green sectors—are better positioned to absorb external shocks and maintain sustainable growth.
Community Engagement Enhances Policy Effectiveness: Actively involving local communities, civil society, and the private sector leads to more inclusive, accepted, and impactful policies. Participatory approaches improve sustainability and long-term ownership.

Country Contribution

2011 – Adoption of the Provisional Constitution, marking a shift towards formal state-building.
2012 – Formation of the Federal Government of Somalia, restoring national governance structures.
2016 – Approval of the National Legal Aid Policy, expanding access to justice for vulnerable groups.
2017 – Enactment of the Communications Act, enabling regulation and growth of the ICT sector.
2018 – Initial political agreement on the Justice and Corrections Model, strengthening rule-of-law reforms.
2019 – Passage of the Anti-Corruption Law and validation of the National Reconciliation Framework (NRF).
2020 – Endorsement of the Federal Police Act, improving security coordination.
2021 – Establishment of the Somali Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (SIACC) and accession to UNCAC.
2022 – Transition from AMISOM to ATMIS, supporting Somalia’s move toward full security responsibility.

Somalia

Overview

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Location

Region

No Poverty

Zero Hunger

Good Health

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Water & Sanitation

Clean Energy

Decent Work

Industry & Infrastructure

Inequality

Sustainable Cities

Responsible Consumption

Climate Action

Life Below Water

Life on Land

Peace & Justice

Partnerships

SDGs World Progress: Severely Off-Track

SDGs World Progress: No Progress

Country Challenges

Country Lessons Learned

Country Contribution

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Overview

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Location

Region

No Poverty

Zero Hunger

Good Health

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Water & Sanitation

Clean Energy

Decent Work

Industry & Infrastructure

Inequality

Sustainable Cities

Responsible Consumption

Climate Action

Life Below Water

Life on Land

Peace & Justice

Partnerships

SDGs World Progress: Severely Off-Track

SDGs World Progress: No Progress

Country Challenges

Country Lessons Learned

Country Contribution

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