Building a shared framework for Somali cooperatives
A capacity-building workshop examined governance, member rights, finance and oversight under Somalia’s draft cooperative policy and act.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with support from the World Bank through HoA DRIVE Somalia, brought federal and Federal Member State officials together for a two-day workshop on the draft Cooperatives Policy and draft Cooperatives Act.
The July 2026 workshop used practical exercises and Somalia-focused scenarios to explore governance, registration, member rights, institutional responsibilities, Sharia-compliant finance, supervision and dispute resolution.
Participation and access
Sessions also examined women’s and young people’s participation, digital services and coordination across levels of government.
Cooperatives can help livestock keepers, farmers and small businesses pool resources, strengthen bargaining power and reach finance and markets. The workshop followed a May consultation reviewing the draft framework.
