Mogadishu, Somalia – [October 07 2025]
- Executive Summary
Somalia’s persistent high levels of corruption, highlighted by its 9/100 score on the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) (179/180 globally), severely undermine state-building, economic recovery, and service delivery. This brief asserts that comprehensive capacity building for Somali civil servants is the most vital, strategic investment in the national anti-corruption framework. TSI advocates for a targeted, four-pillar training strategy to create a professional, ethical, and accountable public service, urging the Federal Government and international partners to prioritise resources toward this goal.
- The Problem: Systemic Erosion of Trust
Corruption in Somalia is a systemic crisis that impedes progress by:
- Undermining Fiscal Stability: Diverting crucial domestic revenues and international aid away from essential services like security, health, and education.
- Eroding Public Trust: Preventing citizens from believing in government institutions, which complicates governance and reconciliation efforts.
- Stifling Economic Growth: Creating an unpredictable environment that discourages both local and foreign investment.
The current challenge is not just the absence of laws, but the lack of capacity and political will within institutions to enforce them, making the training of personnel the critical weak link.
- The Solution: Strategic Civil Service Capacity Building
The Transparency Somalia Initiative (TSI) maintains that the only sustainable solution is to professionalize the civil service and empower public servants as the frontline defenders of integrity.
TSI’s Four Pillars of Strategic Training:
| Pillar | Objective | Key Training Focus |
| I. Ethical and Cultural Awareness | Foster a personal commitment to public service ethics. | ✓ Cost of Corruption on National Development |
| II. Legal and Regulatory Proficiency | Equip staff to navigate and enforce anti-corruption laws. | ✓ Anti-Corruption Legislation & Enforcement |
| III. Professional Integrity & Conduct | Eliminate conflicts of interest and unprofessional conduct. | ✓ Conflict of Interest Management (CoIM) |
| IV. Oversight and Investigative Skills | Build internal mechanisms for self-regulation and accountability. | ✓ Internal Audit, Evidence Gathering, & Whistle-blower Protection |
- Policy Recommendations
TSI urges the Federal Government of Somalia and its international partners to adopt the following recommendations:
- Mandate National Anti-Corruption Training: The National Civil Service Commission (NCSC), in partnership with TSI and the Anti-Corruption Commission, must issue a directive making the Four-Pillar training mandatory for all mid- and senior-level public servants.
- Establish a Dedicated Funding Mechanism: International partners should ring-fence capacity building funds specifically for civil servant anti-corruption training and mentorship programs, ensuring long-term sustainability.
- Integrate Transparency KPIs: Ministry Performance Management systems must integrate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to transparency (e.g., timely asset disclosure, compliance rates, audit success) that directly impact civil servants’ career progression and tenure.
- Strengthen Whistle-blower Protection: Implement robust legal and procedural frameworks to protect civil servants who report corruption, ensuring an environment where integrity is rewarded, and reporting is safe.
- TSI’s Pledge
The Transparency Somalia Initiative (TSI) formally pledges to prioritise and drive the capacity building of Somalia’s public sector by developing and co-delivering these high-impact training programs. We commit to leveraging our research and network to secure the necessary expertise and resources. This is our commitment to a more transparent and accountable Somalia.
Transparency Somalia Initiative (TSI)
Mogadishu, Somalia