About NLA - National Leadership Academy

"Strengthening the country's human capital and addressing critical capacity gaps."

The National Leadership Academy (NLA) is designed as a fully equipped residential training center, offering a structured, immersive learning environment. It provides specialized training programs in governance, public administration, financial management, and other critical sectors.

Background

Somalia has made significant progress in recent years, but the country still faces critical challenges in building effective governance structures and developing the leadership capacity needed to drive sustainable development. The National Leadership Academy was established to address these gaps by providing a homegrown solution that combines Somali heritage, religious values, and modern governance principles.

The NLA fills a critical gap in Somalia's leadership development landscape. While international training programs have been valuable, there has been a need for a permanent, locally-rooted institution that can provide continuous, context-specific training. The academy offers a homegrown solution that blends Somali heritage, religious values, and modern governance principles.

The National Leadership Academy exists to inspire and equip a new generation of Somali leaders who will drive the country's transformation toward peace, prosperity, and inclusive governance.

Key Information

Established 2025

A vision for Somalia's future

Kismayo, Jubaland

Strategic location for national inclusion

100-150 Participants

Annual intake capacity

7 Thematic Pillars

Comprehensive training framework

"A transformative institution dedicated to cultivating a new generation of Somali leaders"

Our Vision

We envision a stable, unified, and forward-looking Somalia free from political fragmentation, anchored in inclusive governance, driven by a thriving economy, and offering dignity, purpose, and hope to its youth.

Stable & Unified Nation

Thriving Economy

Inclusive Governance

Youth Empowerment

Our Mission

To identify, equip, and empower principled leaders across Somalia's public, private, and civil society sectors. Through context-driven, values-based education, we prepare emerging and current leaders to drive nation-building, ethical governance, inclusive growth, and to chart a locally led path toward peace and prosperity.

Nation Building

Inclusive Growth

Ethical Governance

Local Leadership

Core Functions

Priority Program

Training for High-Level Policymakers

A select group of senior policymakers will undergo advanced training in governance, policy formulation, and leadership, providing technical expertise, policy guidance, and mentorship to junior officials.

Senior leaders in first cohort with representation from each federal member state

Capacity Building

Development of Civil Service Managers

Somalia's civil service must be modernized and professionalized to meet the demands of a growing economy and evolving governance landscape. The NLA will provide training for 100 mid-level civil servants in its first year.

Administrative Leadership Financial Management Policy Implementation Public Service Ethics

Strategic Initiative

Strategic Location in Kismayo

Kismayo, in Jubaland, has faced ongoing insecurity, but it is also a symbol of resilience. By placing the Academy here, the Somali government is sending a clear message: peace, development, and good governance must reach all regions.

Decentralization of Training Opportunities
Strengthening Regional Development
National Accessibility for All Federal Member States

Future Leaders

Youth Leadership Programs

With Somalia's young population forming the backbone of the country's future workforce, it is crucial to prepare the next generation for leadership and governance roles through targeted, need-based training programs.

Financial Management Legal & Judicial Reforms Security Governance Social Services

Facility & Funding

A Fully Equipped Residential Training Center

The National Leadership Academy is designed as a permanent, self-sustaining institution, ensuring continuity in governance training for years to come. Unlike short-term training programs, the academy will be fully integrated into Somalia's national governance framework.

Fully equipped training rooms with modern technology
On-site residential quarters for immersive learning
Main conference hall for 200 participants
Communal spaces to enhance the learning experience

Development Funding

TOTAL INVESTMENT

$850,000

The National Leadership Academy has been funded through global partnerships, with operational costs incorporated into Somalia's national budget for long-term sustainability.

PROJECTED COMPLETION

July 2025

Global Partnerships

A National Institution with International Support

The NLA is a Somali-led initiative supported by international partners, including the Government of China. This investment aligns with the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Action Plan of 2025, which prioritizes capacity building, governance reform, and human resource development.

200+

Somali officials have received specialized training in China over the past year, benefiting from China's expertise in governance, economic management, and institutional capacity-building.

"This investment will not only enable Somalia to build a shared future of prosperity for its people but will also contribute to China and Somalia's broader vision of mutual growth, cooperation, and development for all humankind."

International Training Framework

The NLA builds on international training by offering continuous, local training that turns knowledge into real-world impact.

The National Leadership Academy is dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders who will shape Somalia's future. Explore our programs and be part of this transformative journey.

About The Academy