Somalia unveils US$1.38B agriculture plan with focus on feed value chains

SOMALIA – Somalia has unveiled a US$1.38 billion agricultural investment programme in Nairobi aimed at boosting food production, creating jobs and strengthening key value chains, including animal feed.

The initiative, known as the “Somalia’s Legacy Program,” was presented during a high-level meeting on food and agriculture investment partnerships, according to the Somalia Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.

Director General Mohamed Hassan Abdulle said the programme positions Somalia as an emerging investment destination, highlighting its natural resource base and ongoing efforts to improve food security and economic growth.

The plan targets six priority value chains: maize, sesame, sorghum, beans, citrus and animal feed. 

Authorities say the programme is expected to expand domestic production, reduce post-harvest losses, generate income, and create employment opportunities across the agricultural sector.

The forum brought together Somali government officials, led by the country’s ambassador to Kenya, alongside international investors and industry stakeholders, with discussions focused on strengthening partnerships and unlocking capital for sector development.

Feed sector development takes priority

Within the broader programme, animal feed has been identified as a strategic pillar for improving livestock productivity and reducing reliance on imports.

Somalia’s livestock sector remains a key contributor to the economy, but productivity is often constrained by inconsistent access to quality and affordable feed. 

By integrating feed into its priority value chains, the government aims to stimulate local production of raw materials such as maize and sorghum, which are essential inputs for compound feed manufacturing.

Officials indicated that efforts will focus on improving feed availability through better post-harvest handling, reducing crop production losses, and encouraging private-sector investment in feed processing and distribution.

The government is also working to strengthen the enabling environment for agribusiness, including reforms to protect investor rights, simplify regulations and expand public-private partnerships. 

These measures are expected to support the development of a more structured and reliable feed supply chain.

Industry observers note that strengthening domestic feed systems will be critical for Somalia to improve livestock performance, stabilise production costs and enhance overall food security, particularly as demand for animal protein continues to grow.

The ministry said discussions concluded with a call for increased cooperation between public and private stakeholders to accelerate investment and support long-term agricultural transformation.

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