Friends Of China
In Somalia

Old friends, New horizons

"Building a Shared Future: From Green Recovery to Climate Resilience"

Environment & Climate

China’s role in Somalia concerning environment and climate is substantial and multifaceted, extending from immediate humanitarian aid for climate disasters to long-term investments in green energy infrastructure and institutional capacity building.

💰 Immediate Humanitarian Aid for Climate Disasters

Somalia is on the front line of the climate crisis, experiencing vicious cycles of devastating droughts and floods. China has been a rapid responder to these emergencies.

Financial and Food Aid: In late 2025, China was the first international responder to Somalia’s urgent drought appeal, donating $1 million . This was followed by a larger relief package in March 2026, consisting of **$2 million in direct financial aid** and an additional 15 million RMB (approx. $2.1 million) for essential food supplies .
Targeted Support: This aid is directed to the most vulnerable districts, prioritizing women, children, and the elderly in areas under a state of emergency .
Knowledge Sharing: China is also helping build long-term resilience through human capital development. Several staff members from Somalia’s Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) have attended specialized disaster management training in China, with more exchange programs planned .
Strategic Dialogue: China and Somalia hold regular high-level talks on climate response. Topics include disaster preparedness, infrastructure rebuilding, and community-based resilience, with China pledging deeper cooperation in long-term climate adaptation .

🔋 Infrastructure & Renewable Energy Development

Somalia has outlined ambitious climate goals in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), aiming to reduce emissions by 34% by 2035. However, achieving this requires significant external support, a need China is helping to address .

While large-scale Chinese-led projects are currently more visible in neighboring Ethiopia, they are directly relevant to the Somali region’s stability and green transition:

Aysha Wind Farm (Ethiopian Somali Region): Built by China’s Dongfang Electric Corporation, this 120 MW wind farm is a landmark project in the Somali region of Ethiopia. The inauguration was attended by the President of Somalia, highlighting its regional importance for clean energy and economic integration .
Solar Power Project: In the Ethiopian Somali region, China’s SinoSolar has executed a major solar-powered electricity project, providing power to over 43,500 residents, including refugee-hosting communities .

Although these projects are across the border in Ethiopia, they demonstrate China’s capability and model for the kind of decentralized renewable energy hubs that Somalia urgently needs, as outlined in its own NDC .

💡 A Strategic Framework for Climate Action

China’s actions fit directly into Somalia’s national strategy. Somalia’s official climate plan states that achieving its ambitious targets is impossible through domestic means alone and is conditional on international finance and technology transfer .

China is effectively addressing these needs on multiple fronts:

Finance: Acting as a key bilateral donor for climate disasters.
Technology & Capacity: Building renewable energy infrastructure and training Somali experts.
Institutional Support: Partnering with Somali geological and disaster management agencies.

In summary, China is evolving from a traditional diplomatic partner into a crucial technical and humanitarian ally for Somalia, helping the country navigate its most pressing climate challenges while building a foundation for a more resilient future.

And at Friends of China in Somalia (FOC-Somalia) , we recognize that environmental sustainability and climate action are not peripheral concerns—they are central to Somalia’s long-term peace, prosperity, and stability. As one of the most climate-vulnerable nations on earth, Somalia faces recurrent droughts, flash floods, desertification, and resource scarcity.

In alignment with China’s vision of an Ecological Civilization and Somalia’s National Climate Change Policy, our mission is to foster practical, people-centered solutions that restore ecosystems, mitigate climate risks, and create green livelihoods.

Get Involved

You don’t need to be Somali or Chinese to support us. You just need to believe that friendship across borders can change lives.

Visit us

Grand plaza , 1st floor, bureau 112
Makka Almukarrama Strt, Hodan Dist., Mogadishu.

Email Us

contact@friendsofchina.so

Call Us