Mogadishu, (SONNA) – The Federal Government of Somalia has officially launched Phase 2 of the Baxnaano National Social Protection Program, marking a major step forward in the country’s efforts to strengthen support for vulnerable communities and promote inclusive economic growth.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by H.E. Jibril Abdirashid Haji, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, and brought together high-level government officials, international partners, and representatives from Somali society. The event highlighted the shared commitment to advancing social protection in Somalia, with a renewed focus on inclusion and sustainability.
Yusuf Wadani, Director General of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, welcomed guests to the launch and reaffirmed the government’s readiness to lead the next phase of Baxnaano. He also expressed appreciation to the World Bank for its vital support in developing Somalia’s social protection system.
Fardosa Ahmed Abdulahi, Baxnaano Program Manager, presented the program’s progress since its inception in 2019. She reported that Baxnaano has so far registered 547,000 households—benefiting approximately 3.5 million individuals—laying a solid foundation for the second phase, which officially begins implementation today.
A key innovation in Phase 2 is the introduction of new interventions targeting youth employment. The pilot initiative, launched in Mogadishu, aims to provide immediate employment to 1,000 young people, with a target of reaching 10,000 by the end of the year. This effort is designed to enhance livelihoods and foster economic inclusion for Somalia’s vulnerable youth population.
The launch of Baxnaano Phase 2 marks a significant milestone in Somalia’s journey toward a more resilient and equitable future, with social protection at the core of national development efforts.
