EU Non Key Exp/Sr. Non Key Exp (SNKE) [Prj]

Formulation of Training Curricula and Provision of Capacity Development Training for Mogadishu / BRA Staff

During preparation and compilation of the TAPF 2025 – 2026 Work Plan, six general, programme thematic areas were identified, being Thematic Area 1, “Development Planning”, 2, “Investment Policies and PPP”, 3, “Monitoring and Evaluation Support”, 4, “TVET Support”, 5, “Climate Resilience and Environment” and 6, “Aid Management and Coordination”. These themes, and / or a variation on these themes, were commonly identified as priority needs across all planning authorities, states and regions of Somalia.

In BRA (the Banadir Regional Administration), Priority #1, and the first activity to be undertaken under the Banadir Regional Administration TAPF programme, was formulation of a BRA “Mogadishu Transformation Plan” (MTP).

Although commencing later than initially envisaged, the BRA Department of Planning, Investment and Economic Development (DoPIED) formally initiated work on preparation of the MTP in November 2025 (successfully concluding the regional development plan in February 2026).

Among a number of other priority initiatives, “Conducting Training Programmes to Upskill BRA Staff” was identified and listed as Activity 2.6.3, i.e. Activity 3 under Thematic Area 6, “Aid Management and Coordination”, in the TAPF BRA Work Plan. Development of this initiative comprises the focus of this new assignment proposal.

For various reasons, including high birth rates, insecurity in and displacement from the rural areas, and a shift in economic activity from traditional agrarian livelihoods to trade and manufacturing, Mogadishu is currently undergoing a period of rapid urbanization and population growth, with much of the population housed in informal IDP camps, which has significantly increased demand for social and transport infrastructure, and housing and municipal services, such as energy, water and waste disposal. This rapid growth in the population of the metropolitan area has placed considerable strain on existing planning systems, service delivery mechanisms and institutional coordination structures. Thus, as urban expansion and concentration continue apace, the need for effective governance systems capable of managing growth among the urban population has become increasingly urgent.

In this regard, the Banadir Regional Administration, and particularly the Department of Planning, Investment and Economic Development (DoPIED), plays a central role in managing Mogadishu’s development, with responsibilities spanning urban planning, infrastructure coordination, environmental management and delivery of essential municipal services. However, regardless of its mandate, BRA faces institutional and technical capacity limitations that affect its ability to effectively plan, coordinate and implement development initiatives in a consistent and integrated manner. In consequence, a programme of targeted skills training is required (aligned with the Mogadishu Transformation Plan (MTP)) that prioritises institution strengthening and promotes improved urban planning and enhanced service delivery. By focusing on strengthening technical expertise, improving governance systems, and enhancing coordination across departments and districts, a programme of targeted skills training will support BRA in translating strategic priorities (as defined in the MTP) into practical and sustainable outcomes.

In context of the above, this assignment proposal sets out a programme of targeted training that is designed to enhance the institutional and technical capabilities of BRA staff across five key operational areas: urban planning, strategic planning and policy development, municipal service delivery, women’s leadership and participation, and Training of Trainers (ToT) for implementation of the Mogadishu Transformation Plan (MTP).

The programme aims to address critical capacity gaps in planning, coordination, and service delivery while strengthening institutional systems for governance and accountability.

The programme, as designed, will directly benefit 240 officials from BRA departments and district administrations, through application of a structured and practical training approach.

Note: The Banadir Regional Administration (BRA), also known as Mogadishu Municipality, governs Mogadishu and its immediate surroundings.

The city is divided into 20 districts, comprising Abdiaziz, Boondheere,, Daarasalaam, Dayniile, Dharkeynley, Garabaaley, Gubadleey, Huriwaa, Hodan, Howl-Wadag, Kaaran, Kaxda, Shangaani, Shibis, Waaberi, Wadajir, Warta Nabada, Xamar-Jajab, Xamar-Weyne and Yaaqshiid.

Each district has its own administrative headquarters and police station, but public services, especially healthcare, education and waste disposal, are primarily delivered by the private sector.

Therefore, by improving technical skills, enhancing coordination mechanisms, and promoting inclusive participation, the programme will contribute to more effective municipal governance and improved service delivery outcomes for the estimated 3.5 million residents of Mogadishu.

In specific terms, the capacity development programme will comprise five complementary components, each designed to address a specific capacity gap within the Banadir Regional Administration (BRA) and its district administration. The five components combine targeted training interventions, with clearly defined objectives, to strengthen both technical and institutional capacities across key operational areas.

Each component is structured to deliver a practical outcome that will support effective implementation of the Mogadishu Transformation Plan (MTP) and contribute to improved governance and service delivery, at both central and district levels.

Individually, the five complementary training components comprise:

I. Urban Planning Capacity Development

The first component will focus on strengthening urban planning capacity and will be delivered as a four-day workshop targeting 30 to 35 engineers and technical staff from municipal public works departments.

The training will cover key areas, including spatial planning, land use management, infrastructure planning, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and climate sensitive urban development approaches, and is expected to enhance technical planning capacity and to improve coordination, with respect to infrastructure development.

The objectives of the urban planning capacity development sub-component will be:

1. To strengthen knowledge and skills in urban planning, including spatial planning, land use management and infrastructure planning and implementation supervision.
2. To build practical capacity in the use of GIS tools and climate-sensitive planning approaches.
3. To improve coordination and application of integrated planning practices within municipal public works departments.