Somalia, UNDP Joint Programme Saameynta: Scaling up Solutions to Displacement
Somalia faces large scale displacement. Over 3.9 million people are internally displaced by conflict and climate shocks. Through this project, Switzerland supports displaced and host communities in Baidoa and Bosasso to better access services, secure land and housing, and improve livelihoods. By combining urban planning with economic opportunities and stronger governance, people will move from long-term aid dependency towards sustainable integration.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Somalia |
Migration and Development Governance Inclusive economic Development
Forced displacement (refugees, IDP, human trafficking)
Decentralisation Business support & economic inclusion |
01.07.2026
- 30.06.2030 |
CHF 5’000’000
|
- United Nations Development Programme
- Somalia Joint Fund (SJF) as the administrative agent
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
BUSINESS & OTHER SERVICES
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Facilitation of orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility
Decentralisation and support to subnational government (incl. accountability)
Business support services and institutions
Cross-cutting topics Conflict reduction
The project also supports partner organisation improvements
Aid Type Basketpooled multi-donor fund
Project and programme contribution
Project number 7F10330
| Background | Somalia’s displacement crisis continues to deepen due to conflict, insecurity, weak governance, and intensifying climate shocks. Internal displacement has reached over 3.9 million people. Rapid urbanisation is overwhelming already fragile infrastructure and increasing protection risks, marginalisation, tenure insecurity, and limited access to services and livelihoods. With most displaced people now living in urban and peri-urban areas, municipalities have become the frontline providers of services despite limited fiscal, administrative and planning capacity. |
| Objectives | To achieve durable solutions for displacement-affected populations in Somalia`s target cities through inclusive, climate-smart urban growth, economic development and improved services, led by accountable government institutions. |
| Target groups |
Direct target group: 150,000 people in Baidoa and Bosasso, focusing on internally-displaced people and vulnerable host communities. Indirect target groups include authorities at the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Federal Member States (FMS) as well as private sector and investors. |
| Medium-term outcomes |
1. Government institutions lead inclusive and evidence-based durable solutions coordination and planning. 2. Inclusive land governance and climate-smart urban planning improve tenure security and equitable urban development for displacement-affected communities. 3. Displacement-affected communities, especially women and youth, gain improved access to sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities. 4. Displacement-affected communities access climate-resilient housing, infrastructure, and services that strengthen long-term resilience and community ownership. |
| Results |
Expected results: 1.Strengthened government leadership - DS Coordination platforms strengthened - Durable Solutions Progress surveys conducted semi-annually 2.Inclusive land governance and urban planning systems - Integrated land/property systems scaled up Area Development Plans and land-based financing models developed 3. Expanded economic opportunities and inclusive local economies - MSMEs and cooperatives supported with finance and market access - Livelihood skills strengthened for DACs 4.Improved housing, infrastructure and basic services - Community co-funding systems established for infrastructure and urban services - Climate-resilient housing and neighbourhood infrastructure upgraded and expanded Results from previous phases: Key achievements of the Saameynta Phase I: - Tenure security secured for 56,400 individuals (50% being women) through land registration and title deed issuance - 74,262 individuals accesed health care & protection services from healthcare facility - USD $50,000 raised by communities as matching grants for community projects - Strengthened municipal planning and service delivery in Baidoa and Bosasso through adoption of 2 City Strategies and Urban Land Laws - Support to the National Durable Solutions Strategy and National Solutions Pathway Action Plan (NSPAP) targeting one million internally displaced. |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Project partners |
Contract partner United Nations Organization (UNO) |
| Coordination with other projects and actors |
Synergies with i) Swiss Governance programming (Dowladkab, LEGIT, WB) ii)Swiss DS portfolio: Internal Displacement Solutions Fund (IDSF), regional durable solutions platform (ReDSS), SEM supported – Scaling access to legal identity in Somalia (NRC), East Africa City Corridor Initiative and Human Mobility in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change in the IGAD Region iii)Other donor-funded durable solutions projects (e.g. Danwadaag – UK/FCDO). Coordination: Durable Solutions Technical Working Group, and Somalia donor coordination mechanisms. |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 5’000’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 1’300’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 9’130’114 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 27’544’000 |
| Project phases | Phase 2 01.07.2026 - 30.06.2030 (Current phase) Phase 1 01.11.2019 - 31.12.2025 (Completed) |
