Puntland's Ambitious 5-Year Plan to Boost Governance and Economic Independence

Somalia, 20 January 2026 Somalia's semi-autonomous region of Puntland on Tuesday launched its five-year development plan, an ambitious multi-sector roadmap designed to achieve economic self-sufficiency and strengthen regional governance through the year 2030. The strategic framework, titled "Vision for Inclusive Governance & a Prosperous, Self-Sufficient Puntland," was unveiled by Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor during a high-level ceremony in the regional capital of Garowe. Addressing an audience of international diplomats and local stakeholders, Lugatoor emphasized a significant shift toward local ownership and fiscal accountability, announcing a specific financing target where the regional administration and the private sector would take a primary role in funding. "The plan presented by the Ministry today belongs to all of us, and we will lead you in its execution," Lugatoorr stated. He further noted that Puntland has committed to contributing 20 per cent of the required funding itself, supported by its diaspora and local business community, while promising a transparent management process for all international donors and participants. The development strategy is built upon five primary pillars that encompass inclusive politics and good governance, justice and security reform, economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. According to the Vice President, the institutional framework required to support these goals is expected to be fully established within the next nine months. The launch event drew a significant international presence, including delegations from the European Union, the World Bank, and the United Nations, alongside representatives from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland. Local leaders, including members of the judiciary, electoral commission officials, and civil society representatives, joined the Ministry of Planning to review the blueprint, which will serve as the definitive guide for the region's socio-economic trajectory over the next five years.