Somali prime minister opens major development projects as Somalia marks independence anniversary

Wednesday July 1, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre this week inaugurated several development projects in Mogadishu, including a paved road, new government facilities and the Somalia Diaspora Centre, as the country marks the 66th anniversary of independence.

The prime minister first opened a two-kilometer paved road in Dayniile district, implemented by the Banadir Regional Administration.

Hamza thanked the Banadir administration and Mogadishu residents for supporting the project, saying the road would ease movement for communities, especially those traveling between Banadir Region and Lower Shabelle Region.

He said the road would also support economic recovery, improve infrastructure and contribute to the beautification of the capital.
“Roads are not just roads to travel, but are a symbol of progress, beauty and national reconstruction,” Hamza said.

He said Mogadishu had overcome difficult periods and was now moving toward development and recovery. He urged residents to protect peace and stability, saying they are essential for any meaningful development.

The prime minister also called for stronger efforts to keep the city clean and for public education and enforcement of road-use rules to improve safety and order.

Hamza also inaugurated the new headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, a modern facility built to meet international standards.

He praised the ministry’s leadership and staff for their work in completing the building and urged Somali businesspeople and farmers to prioritize domestic production.

The prime minister said Somalia must reduce dependence on imported food by producing goods that can be grown locally.
He said agriculture is one of the main pillars of Somalia’s economy and that true independence cannot be achieved if the country remains reliant on imported food.

Hamza also opened the Somalia Diaspora Centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The center, built with support from the People’s Republic of China, is intended to strengthen engagement between the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali communities abroad.

The center is expected to serve more than 4 million Somalis living across five continents and support implementation of Somalia’s National Diaspora Policy.

Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu said the center, completed with assistance from the Chinese government, was another example of friendship between Somalia and China.

“China firmly supports Somalia to safeguard its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and to pursue a development path suited to the nation’s conditions,” Wang said.

Hamza praised the Somali diaspora for its contribution to national development, saying Somalis abroad have consistently supported their homeland while preserving their religion, culture and mother tongue around the world.

The prime minister also laid the foundation stone for new central facilities for the ministries responsible for livestock, forestry and livestock research.

He said the centers would play an important role in developing the livestock sector, which remains one of the backbones of Somalia’s economy.

Hamza said research is essential to improving the quality of Somali livestock and expressed hope that the project would be completed soon.

The inauguration of the projects comes as Somalia celebrates the 66th anniversary of independence, with federal officials presenting the developments as part of broader reconstruction and state-building efforts.