Location/Country: Mogadishu, Somalia.
Participants:
Ministry of Public Works and Reconstruction, Banaadir Regional Administration, Jazera University of Mogadishu, Moga2020 Working Group of KARTI Foundation.
Sector:
Urban Development (infrastructure like roads, housing, water, energy and waste disposal; social development; employment generation)
Public Merit:
Improved living conditions in Mogadishu (neighborhood infrastructure). Entrepreneurial and employment opportunities. Capacity created with ministry, city administration and young professionals (incl. women) for urban planning and development. Peace and security through investing in social cohesion between inhabitants.
Project Description:
The Moga2020 City lab will be created to accelerate the development and implementation of the urban development agenda of Mogadishu. The lab is a focal point, the centre of knowledge on the development of the city (both its ‘hardware’ infrastructure, as well as its social and organisational infrastructure). The city lab supports the ministry, city administration and entrepreneurial citizens in their efforts to build up the city with a fresh start and fresh ideas.
The city lab initiates small and medium sized, innovative pilot activities (a ‘living lab’ for building human and organizational capacities) with the view that these develop in larger sustainable projects, or that these provide leverage for or have a multiplier effect on other (third party) investments.
The projects contribute to strengthening the physical, social and economic infrastructure of neighborhoods. Projects deal with issues such as a framework for urban, participatory planning, development of infrastructure (e.g. housing, roads, water, energy, waste disposal), facilitating economic development (e.g. business incubator; employment generation) and socio-cultural development (community facilities and socio-cultural activities), and safety measures (community vigilance).
The project will be implemented through local (young) professionals from the ministry, city administration and the university, supported by Somali young professionals from the diaspora in the Netherlands with back stopping from Dutch senior urban planning experts.
Objectives:
Capacity built of ministry, city administration and young professionals (incl. women) in a practical approach towards urban planning and development, including the development of necessary preconditions basic neighborhood infrastructure developed in selected districts of Mogadishu (at least 3 urban districts) Employment generated for young professionals, skilled and unskilled workers, incl. women (at least 1000 people). Neighborhood organizations established and capable of participating in urban development (at least 3 urban districts). Support structure created for initiatives adding economic and social value to living in Mogadishu.
Period of Implementation 2015 – 2022
Phase 1: preparation (6 months). Phase 2: start-up (1 year). Phase 3: operation (5 years).
Status of Implementation/Exploration stage:
Network between Somali diaspora and experts in the Netherlands and Ministry of Public Works and Reconstruction has been established, ready for starting phase 1.
Expected Results/Benefits
Moga2020 City Lab for innovation and capacity building established (knowledge and support center for city administration and entrepreneurial citizens). Capacity of ministry and city administration staff and other young professionals in urban planning and development built (approx. 30-50 people). Basic infrastructure developed in three urban districts (a.o. roads, water, energy). City administration independently replicated the approach towards urban development in other districts. Employment created for young professionals, skilled and unskilled workers, incl. women (at least 1000 people). Neighborhood organizations created and capacitated in three urban districts.
