Sustainable Fisheries Development Initiative

Badmaal Project

The Somali Sustainable Fisheries Development Project (Badmaal) represents the first step in a long-term journey to unlock Somalia's vast blue economy potential and transform the fisheries sector into a driver of economic growth, food security, employment, and coastal development. Funded by the World Bank with a total investment of US$55 million, the project is being implemented over a six-year period by the Federal Government of Somalia through the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy in collaboration with Federal Member States.

The project's development objective is to improve the capacity of targeted communities and authorities to benefit from and effectively manage selected fisheries, while strengthening the foundations for sustainable fisheries development and private sector investment. The project recognizes that Somalia's marine resources have the potential to generate significant economic and social benefits, but that realizing this potential requires investments in governance, infrastructure, livelihoods, and institutional capacity.

Key Components

1. Community Livelihoods and Fisheries Development

This component focuses on strengthening the livelihoods of coastal communities by improving fisheries production, fish handling practices, market access, and income-generating opportunities. It supports fishers, women, youth, and small enterprises to participate more effectively in fisheries value chains and benefit from emerging economic opportunities.

2. Fisheries Governance and Institutional Strengthening

The project aims to improve fisheries management through stronger policies, regulations, monitoring systems, and enforcement mechanisms. Investments are directed toward combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, improving fisheries data collection, strengthening institutional capacity, and supporting sustainable resource management.

3. Fisheries Infrastructure Development

Badmaal includes investments in fisheries infrastructure to improve productivity and reduce post-harvest losses. This includes the construction and rehabilitation of fish landing sites, jetties, cold storage facilities, fish handling infrastructure, and supporting facilities that improve access to markets and encourage private sector participation.

4. Project Management and Implementation Support

This component provides the resources and systems required for effective project delivery, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and stakeholder engagement across participating federal and state institutions.

One of the stated outcomes of the Badmaal Project is increasing private sector participation and investment in fisheries and blue economy industries. However the mechanism for achieving it is still relatively broad and under-specified. This creates a gap between intent and implementation that needs further clarity.

About the Author

Mr. Siad-Omar is the Founder and Managing Director of Blue Ocean Group, a company dedicated to advancing Somalia's blue economy through sustainable business development, investment promotion, and marine enterprise growth. He brings more than 20 years of professional experience as a development practitioner specializing in natural resource management, infrastructure development, economic development, and community resilience.

Throughout his career, Mr. Siad-Omar has worked on a wide range of initiatives involving fisheries, water resources, land management, environmental sustainability, rural development, and infrastructure planning. He is passionate about unlocking the economic potential of Somalia's marine and coastal resources while creating opportunities for investment, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods.

Drawing on extensive experience working with governments, communities, private sector organizations, and development partners, Mr. Siad-Omar advocates for practical, investment-driven approaches that connect economic growth with social impact. Through Blue Ocean Group, he is committed to promoting innovative solutions that transform Somalia's blue economy into a driver of prosperity, resilience, and long-term national development.

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