April 28, 2025 (press release) –
(ILO News) - Mogadishu, Somalia – After years of war, unrest and protracted crisis, the ILO Bureau for Employers’ Activities (ACT/EMP) is supporting the Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in its next major milestone: the development and validation of its Strategic Plan 2025–2029.
In partnership with the SCCI, ACT/EMP organized a validation event on 26 April 2025 in Mogadishu, Somalia. The workshop gathered key stakeholders from the business community, government, and trade unions, embodying a spirit of dialogue and collaboration essential for Somalia’s recovery and growth.
Founded in 1962 as a government agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the SCCI served as a vital bridge between Somalia’s private sector and the government. Following the collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991, the Chamber ceased operations and remained inactive for over two decades. It was reactivated in 2012 as a voluntary, non-governmental business association and, since 2019, is recognized by the ILO as Somalia’s constituent in the country.
The new Strategic Plan 2025–2029 focuses on five strategic priorities:
- Institutional strengthening,
- Advocacy and policy influence,
- Fair employment and skills development,
- Sustainability and innovation,
- Trade promotion and diversification.
It is fully aligned with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan 2025–2029, the ILO's Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for Somalia 2023–2025, and the strategic vision of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU). Together, these strategies aim toward a common vision: building institutional capacity, promoting decent employment, ensuring social justice, and driving sustainable economic transformation for a stable, inclusive, and prosperous Somalia.
The strategic plan’s development followed a highly participatory approach, gathering input from federal and state-level chambers, civil society, social partners, and government entities. The validation workshop provided an important platform to foster internal dialogue among employers from different regions and to strengthen engagement between employers, trade unions, and government representatives. Discussions highlighted regulatory discrepancies (e.g., in business licensing) between federal and state levels, underscoring the need for greater harmonization.
In a country still experiencing protracted conflict, the participatory approach to both the development and upcoming implementation of the Strategic Plan also aims to contribute to peacebuilding through dialogue and institutional cooperation.
The validation event brought together around 20 representatives from Somalia’s business community, alongside government and trade union leaders. Mr. Abdulrashid Abdallah Haidar (Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs) and Mr. Abdinasir Omar Katib (Ministry of Planning) offered supportive remarks on behalf of the government. From the trade union side, Mr. Abdelrahman Mohamed, Deputy Secretary General of FESTU, welcomed the initiative and expressed his support for its successful implementation. SCCI’s Vice President, Mr. Abdirashid Ainshane, represented the Chamber at the event.
The successful validation of SCCI’s Strategic Plan marks a critical step forward in strengthening employer representation in Somalia and fostering social dialogue — key pillars for advancing decent work and inclusive economic growth.
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