The country is highly susceptible to droughts, conflicts and economic fluctuations, all of which disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. Nearly 70% of Somalis live on less than US$ 1.90 per day, while almost 90% of Somali households are deprived in at least one dimension – monetary, electricity, education or water and sanitation – with nearly 70% of households deprived in two or more dimensions. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and nomadic populations have significantly higher levels of exposure to deprivations in multiple dimensions.

Improving water management and diversified agricultural practices leads to enhanced food security and reduced vulnerability to droughts. Economic diversification, coupled with social safety nets, are a buffer against economic downturns and provide stability for households. Strengthening social systems, including education and health care, can uplift human capital and enable communities to withstand shocks.

Additionally, resilience-building initiatives empower marginalized populations, promoting sustainable development and reducing the cyclical nature of poverty. Enhanced resilience can attract investments, boost local economies and foster long-term stability. By addressing the interconnected challenges of climate, economy and society, Somalia can create a more secure and prosperous future, lifting communities out of poverty's grip.

By the end of 2019, the national prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition, or wasting, was at 13.1%, and urgent treatment and nutrition support were needed for approximately 963,000 children below the age of 5 years. The level of Severe Acute Malnutrition stood at 1.8% at the end of 2019, however, its prevalence is increasing, particularly among IDP children. Moreover, 28% of children under 5 years are stunted.

Ending malnutrition involves adopting a multifaceted approach. It begins with scaling up nutrition-specific interventions, such as promoting exclusive breastfeeding, providing nutrient-rich foods for infants and young children and treating severe acute malnutrition. Simultaneously, nutrition-sensitive strategies like improving agricultural practices, enhancing access to clean water and sanitation, and bolstering women's empowerment are crucial. These interventions also have positive impacts on employment and livelihoods. Strengthening health care systems to offer nutrition services, enhancing data collection for monitoring and fostering partnerships among government, NGOs and international organizations should also be put in place. Public awareness campaigns about nutrition and hygiene, especially targeting remote and vulnerable communities, are also vital.

Almost half of Somali children and adults have never received formal education. Among boys and men, 45% have never had formal schooling, while among girls and women the figure is 48%. Among nomadic populations, the figures are as high as 78% among boys and men and 84%  among girls and women. Even among those who have had an opportunity to attend school, few were successful in completing primary school: only 4% of boys and men and 5% of girls and women. Approximately 3 million out of 5 million children aged 6–18 years are out of school in Somalia. Only 30% of children at the primary education level and 26% at the secondary education level are enrolled in school.

A starting point is prioritizing education funding and resource allocation at the national level. Establishing and rehabilitating school infrastructure in underserved areas will enhance accessibility. Training and recruiting qualified teachers, particularly in rural regions, can improve education quality. Developing a relevant and inclusive curriculum that addresses local needs and aspirations will engage students better.

Additionally, creating incentives for enrolment, especially for girls and removing barriers like child labour will increase attendance rates. Leveraging technology for distance learning can extend educational opportunities to remote areas. Strengthening data collection and monitoring mechanisms will enable evidence-based decision-making. Collaborating with international partners and NGOs can provide expertise and resources.

Decades of conflict have had a devastating impact on socio-economic conditions and infrastructure. The country has about 22,000 km of roads, 13% of which are paved, 4% are gravel and 83% are earthen. While the potential of cross-border trade is significant, poor road infrastructure and insecurity are significant constraints . Somalia has the longest coastline in Africa, with several harbours and ports. Despite this, the GDP contribution of the fisheries sector in Somalia is very limited.

Developing sustainable, resilient and inclusive infrastructure in Somalia would bolster economic growth by improving transportation networks, energy access and communication systems, thereby attracting investments and creating jobs. Resilient infrastructure would enhance the country's ability to withstand and recover from natural disasters and climate-related shocks, minimizing disruptions to livelihoods and improving the resilience of its population.

Inclusivity in infrastructure ensures equitable access for marginalized populations, reducing disparities and promoting social cohesion. Reliable energy and clean water supply improve living standards and public health. Connectivity through digital infrastructure can stimulate innovation, education and e-commerce. Sustainable practices in construction and operation reduce environmental degradation.

Overall, such infrastructure development would catalyse a positive cycle of economic prosperity, social well-being, environmental stewardship and resilience, propelling Somalia toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.

After decades of conflict, the institutional setup in Somalia has weakened, limiting its capacity to control territory, hindering effective service delivery, promoting instability and limiting its capacity to promote economic growth. The limited capacities at all levels of government to provide for the security, social, environmental and economic needs of the population pose an additional challenge to the legitimacy of the state. This is further aggravated by a fragile political environment and pervasive corruption.

Comprehensive governance reforms, including anti-corruption measures and clear legal frameworks, must be implemented. Strengthening public administration and civil service capacity through training and merit-based recruitment will enhance service delivery. Promoting citizen participation and engagement through open dialogue and decentralized decision-making can improve accountability.

Investing in technology for e-governance and digital services can enhance transparency and efficiency. Strengthening the judiciary's independence and capacity for fair dispute resolution is vital. International partnerships and technical assistance can provide expertise and resources for institution-building. Regular monitoring and evaluation of progress, coupled with transparent reporting, will foster a culture of accountability. This multifaceted approach will establish the foundation for sustainable development, attracting investments, fostering public trust and ensuring equitable access to services and opportunities for all.