Somalia

Somalia's Second Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2026 reflects the Federal Republic of Somalia's continued commitment to implementing the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building on the country's first VNR presented in 2022. The review highlights Somalia's progress in state-building, governance, economic recovery, institutional strengthening, social development and resilience despite persistent challenges related to insecurity, poverty and climate vulnerability. It is aligned with Centennial Vision 2060 and the National Transformation Plan (NTP) 2025–2029), which provide the country's long-term framework for inclusive and sustainable development. The VNR adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative evidence drawn primarily from official national statistics, administrative data, sectoral information systems, national surveys and stakeholder consultations. Compared with the 2022 VNR, SDG data coverage improved significantly from approximately 39% to around 70%, reflecting strengthened national statistical systems and evidence-based policymaking.

Recommendations

1. Strengthen peacebuilding, security and governance reforms to create an enabling environment for sustainable development.
2. Increase investment in climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and resilient infrastructure to address recurring droughts and floods.
3. Expand sustainable social protection, employment and livelihood programmes to reduce poverty and inequality.
4. Improve food security by strengthening climate-resilient agriculture, livestock services and water resource management.
5. Mobilise greater domestic resources while sustaining international partnerships to finance SDG implementation.
6. Continue strengthening the national statistical system to address remaining SDG data gaps and improve monitoring and reporting.

Conclusion

Somalia's Second VNR 2026 concludes that the country has made measurable progress since 2022 in strengthening state institutions, public financial management, official statistics, social protection, climate policy, service delivery and international financial credibility. However, structural challenges including poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, displacement, gender inequality, weak infrastructure, climate shocks and limited fiscal capacity continue to slow progress towards achieving the SDGs. The VNR emphasises that accelerating progress to 2030 requires an integrated national approach centred on the National Transformation Plan (2025–2029). The report recommends strengthening peace and security, climate resilience, human capital, institutional reform, domestic resource mobilisation, productive economic transformation, implementation capacity and partnerships. It reaffirms Somalia's commitment to sustainable peace, inclusive development, institutional transformation and the principle of leaving no one behind.