Somalia is taking a bold step forward in the fight against climate change, and it’s starting with its financial sector. But here’s where it gets groundbreaking: for the first time ever, Somali banks are being trained in climate finance, right in the heart of Mogadishu. This isn’t just a workshop—it’s a potential game-changer for a country grappling with severe climate vulnerability. On Sunday, December 14, 2025, the National Climate Fund (NCF), in collaboration with the Somali Bankers Association (SBA), hosted an unprecedented training session aimed at equipping the nation’s financial institutions with the tools to navigate the complex world of global climate finance.
The event wasn’t just about theory; it was a practical deep dive into the global climate finance architecture, exploring how major international funds operate and the untapped opportunities they offer for Somalia’s private sector. And this is the part most people miss: Somali banking professionals also used the platform to exchange strategies on accessing climate finance and funneling it to communities, where it can make a tangible difference in building climate resilience. Think of it as a bridge between global resources and local needs, with banks acting as the crucial middlemen.
Liban Obsiye, Executive Director of the NCF, emphasized the pivotal role of banks in this equation. “Somali banks are the backbone of our economy and the linchpin for current and future climate financing,” he stated. “At the NCF, we’re not just talking about private-sector involvement—we’re actively ensuring it becomes a cornerstone of our national resilience efforts.”
Dr. Ahmed Khadar A. Jama, CEO of the SBA, echoed this sentiment, calling the training both timely and essential. “In a rapidly evolving global climate finance landscape, this workshop isn’t just beneficial—it’s critical,” he explained. “It empowers Somali bankers to build expertise and seize emerging opportunities that can drive economic development.”
What makes this initiative even more significant is its inclusivity: representatives from every Somali bank were in attendance, many of which already have investments in climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and energy. This means the knowledge shared isn’t just theoretical—it’s immediately applicable to real-world projects.
Here’s where it gets controversial: While the initiative is a step in the right direction, questions remain about how effectively these funds will reach the most vulnerable communities. Will the private sector prioritize profit over impact? Or can we strike a balance that benefits both? These are the debates we need to have.
The training was made possible through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Pioneer Country Trials program, which pilots innovative approaches to climate finance in select countries, including Somalia. This UK-backed program doesn’t just throw money at the problem—it provides technical and financial assistance, strengthens national climate planning, and improves access to global climate finance mechanisms. In other words, it’s about building capacity, not just dependency.
The National Climate Fund itself is a homegrown solution, designed to mobilize, manage, and channel climate finance for adaptation and mitigation projects across Somalia. It’s a testament to the country’s commitment to tackling climate change head-on, even in the face of immense challenges.
So, what do you think? Is this the kind of initiative Somalia needs to combat its climate crisis? Or are there better ways to allocate resources? Let’s keep the conversation going—because when it comes to climate change, every voice matters.
