SoDMA Commissioner Calls for Greater Investment in Disaster Risk Reduction

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mahamuud Moallim, has warned that recurring disasters, particularly droughts and floods, pose significant challenges to Somalia’s economic growth and community resilience.

Speaking at the presentation of the National Economic Council’s 2026 National Economic Report, Commissioner Moallim stressed that investment in early warning systems, disaster prevention and community resilience is essential to achieving sustainable economic development.

He noted that disasters disrupt production, livestock exports and livelihoods, reduce government revenue and increase emergency response costs, while diverting resources from public services and national development priorities.

The Commissioner called for sustained allocations from the national budget for disaster risk reduction and stronger partnerships between the government, financial institutions, the private sector and the Somali diaspora.

He stressed that greater investment in prevention and resilience would help reduce economic losses, strengthen recovery and support sustainable economic opportunities for Somali communities.