Italy Committed to Water Security, Agriculture, and Climate Action in Somalia – News from Embassies

On Sep 10, 2026

Representatives of the Federal Government of Somalia, the United Nations, and development partners gathered in Jowhar, in the Hirshabelle State, to celebrate a major milestone in Somalia’s efforts to strengthen water security, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience.     The ceremony marked the launch of the Jowhar Offstream Storage Program (JOSP) and, in particular, the restoration work on the Sabuun Dam. The infrastructure will help improve irrigation services and strengthen the adaptive capacity of communities in the Shabelle River basin.


   The ceremony was attended by the ministers of Agriculture and Irrigation, and of Energy and Water Resources, as well as the president of the Hirshabelle State and the deputy prime minister of the Federal Government of Somalia. Representing Italy were the Italian Ambassador to Somalia, Pier Mario Daccò Coppi, and the head of the AICS Office in Nairobi, along with the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Somalia and the FAO Representative in the country.


   The Sabuun Dam is a central component of JOSP, a Somali government-led investment initiative aimed at strengthening water security and resource management in the Shabelle River basin, in line with the priorities of the National Transformation Plan (NTP) 2025–2029. Once restored, it will help ensure more reliable access to water for irrigation for farming communities in the Middle and Lower Shabelle, supporting agricultural production, food security, and sustainable livelihoods. Italy’s presence at the ceremony in Jowhar reflects the long-standing commitment of Italian Cooperation, in collaboration with the FAO, to supporting water and land resource management and climate change adaptation in Somalia.
“The Jowhar Offstream Storage Program is an excellent example of what can be achieved through a strong partnership and coordinated action under the leadership of Somali authorities. Together, we are investing in resilient and sustainable water infrastructure that will strengthen water security, improve agricultural productivity, and help make communities in the Shabelle River basin more resilient,” said the ambassador.


   Italy remains committed to collaborating with the Federal Government of Somalia, the federal member states, the FAO, and development partners to strengthen Somalia’s capacity to manage its water resources, increase the resilience of rural communities, and support sustainable agricultural development and long-term prosperity.

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