III. Agriculture investment policy and regulation

Agriculture in S m li

Agriculture is the backbone of Somalia’s economy, contributing to approximately 70 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 80 percent of the employment, and about 50 percent of exports. Somalia is emerging from post-conflict and despite the challenges faced, my ministry is working to achieve food security. We are party to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and working towards a hunger-free nation by 2030.

We import food worth over USD 1.5 billion annually. To address this deficit the government encourages investment in the sector and support the increase in domestic food production. We have adopted several measures to boost growth and address underlying constraints. For example, we’re working to increase the production of major food crops like maize, sorghum, and beans through innovation, capacity building, and technology. So far, the government of Somalia has expanded the hectares of land under production, modernization of the agricultural output, adopted climate-smart agriculture, rehabilitated critical irrigation systems, and improved the capacity of farmers through training.

Food security is one of our key priorities, and as you read our agricultural investment guide, we hope you find exciting a eas for investment in Somalia.

Said Hussein Lid Federal Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation

Cucumber cultivated in greenhouses using drip irrigation harvested and ready for markets.