MOGADISHU – The Minister of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing, Ayub Ismail Yusuf, has laid the foundation stone for a major urban development project in Mogadishu, cutting the ribbon on a new road and unveiling plans for a commercial complex, residential estate, business service centres and an agri-tourism park.
The project, which was launched during a ceremony attended by the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Environment, the Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, the Commander of the Banadir Police Division, federal parliamentarians and private investors, is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to modernise the capital and stimulate economic growth through private investment.
Investor confidence in Mogadishu has reached unprecedented heights as the federal government solidifies advances against instability, leading to a construction boom that includes residential and commercial developments across the capital.
A Multi-Sector Development
The project comprises a modern shopping mall, a residential real estate development, business service centres and an agri-tourism park. Minister Yusuf said the initiative would serve as a cornerstone for economic growth, urban infrastructure development and job creation.
The new road that was inaugurated as part of the project will improve access to the development and enhance connectivity within the city. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader urban renewal efforts, which include major projects in Beledweyne, Doolow and the Jasiira area of Mogadishu focused on affordable housing and climate-resilient urban centres.
Private Investment and Government Support
Minister Yusuf emphasised the government’s commitment to encouraging domestic investment, describing it as the most important pillar of national reconstruction, economic growth and development. He noted that the project is part of a broader effort to reclaim public land for development in accordance with national laws and regulations.
At the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku, the minister outlined Somalia’s comprehensive urban development strategy, which integrates housing, land management, climate adaptation and local economic growth. He highlighted strategic initiatives currently under way, including the Jasiira area project, as examples of the government’s focus on affordable housing and economic infrastructure.
Aligning with National Housing and Urban Policy
The development is part of a broader push to modernise Somalia’s housing and urban planning frameworks. The ministry has convened a national housing policy consultation conference to develop Somalia’s first comprehensive National Housing Policy, designed to address the country’s severe housing shortage, harmonise building standards, clarify land ownership systems and promote affordable, climate-resilient construction.
In May 2026, a planning event was held for the Mindhob neighbourhood in the Warsheikh district under the “New Mogadishu” initiative, unveiling blueprints for a modern residential community with sustainable infrastructure. The project has attracted interest from business leaders, youth representatives and members of the Somali diaspora.
Strengthening Infrastructure Across Somalia
The ministry has been actively advancing infrastructure projects across the country. Minister Yusuf previously led a delegation to Dhuusamareeb, where he laid the foundation stone for a strategic road connecting Dhuusamareeb and Cadaado, a project expected to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration. That project is being financed by the African Development Bank and the European Union.
Rehabilitation work on the Beledweyne–Kalabeyr road has also begun, including roadbed strengthening, new culverts, stormwater drainage and improved bridges to keep the route open during floods.
Way Forward
The Mogadishu development project represents a significant step in the government’s efforts to rebuild and modernise the capital. By combining commercial, residential and recreational facilities with improved transport infrastructure, the initiative aims to create a model for sustainable urban development that can be replicated across the country. As private investment continues to flow into the city, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that development proceeds in an orderly and regulated manner, in line with national laws and urban planning standards.
