Ethiopia is undergoing a major urban transformation as it responds to rapid urbanization, climate change, and rising demand for inclusive and sustainable services. Cities are increasingly recognized as engines of economic growth and service delivery, but also as areas vulnerable to climate shocks and unplanned expansion. Within this national context, the Somali Region—particularly Jigjiga City Administration—has emerged as a leading example of how urban development can be aligned with climate resilience, pastoral livelihoods, and smart city principles.

At the national level, Ethiopia’s urban development agenda is guided by the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, which promotes modern planning and technology-enabled service delivery through a smart city framework. This framework is built around three core pillars: smart governance, smart mobility, and smart environment. Together, these pillars emphasize transparent and participatory governance, efficient and connected urban transport systems, and environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient cities. Regional governments and city administrations are encouraged to adapt this framework to their local realities.

Somali Region presents a unique urbanization context shaped by dispersed settlements, a predominantly pastoral and agro-pastoral population, climate variability, and a history of limited infrastructure investment. For many years, urban centers faced significant gaps in water supply, sanitation, planning, and public spaces. In recent years, however, the Somali Regional State Government has made urban development a strategic priority, recognizing that habitable and well-planned cities are essential for peacebuilding, economic growth, climate resilience, and improved service delivery.

This renewed commitment is most visible in Jigjiga City, the administrative and economic capital of the Somali Region. Jigjiga has made notable progress in enhancing urban livability through targeted investments in infrastructure, planning, environmental management, and investment promotion. Access to safe and reliable water has been prioritized, with expanded water supply systems, borehole rehabilitation, and network extensions that have improved coverage and reduced vulnerability to drought. Water security has become a central component of climate resilience in the city.

Urban planning reform has also been a key area of progress. Jigjiga has advanced the preparation and implementation of urban master plans to guide orderly land use, infrastructure development, and environmental protection. These plans aim to accommodate population growth while balancing residential, commercial, industrial, and green spaces. The use of digital tools and geospatial data represents an important step toward evidence-based planning and smart governance. Similar efforts, including integrated pastoral village development, have also been implemented in cities such as Gode.

Greening initiatives are another visible hallmark of Jigjiga’s urban transformation. Tree-planting campaigns, green corridors, and the rehabilitation of public spaces have improved the city’s appearance while helping regulate temperatures, reduce dust, and enhance environmental sustainability. These initiatives align with Ethiopia’s smart environment agenda and demonstrate the close linkage between climate action and urban development.

Economic growth and investment promotion have further strengthened Jigjiga’s urban development efforts. Improved infrastructure, streamlined administrative processes, and the city’s strategic position as a trade gateway have attracted more than 3,000 private investments over the past seven years. These investments—including hotels, industries, and production enterprises—have created employment opportunities for over 100,000 people, particularly youth and women, reinforcing the role of urban centers as drivers of inclusive growth.

Climate-smart urban development in the Somali Region is closely tied to the pastoral context. Cities such as Jigjiga function as markets, service hubs, and administrative centers for mobile pastoral communities. Climate-smart approaches therefore emphasize drought-resilient water systems, green infrastructure to reduce heat stress, strong rural–urban linkages, and the use of technology to improve service delivery and early warning systems.

Sustaining and scaling these achievements requires collaboration beyond government. Development partners such as UNDP, the World Bank, and Cities Alliance can support financing, technical assistance, and innovation in smart city initiatives. The Somali diaspora also represents a significant opportunity, with potential contributions in housing, renewable energy, water services, ICT, and urban entrepreneurship.

In conclusion, Somali Region’s progress toward habitable and climate-smart cities reflects growing political commitment, alignment with national smart city policies, and context-sensitive planning. Jigjiga City’s achievements in water services, planning, greening, and investment promotion demonstrate how urban development can drive resilience, economic opportunity, and inclusive growth. Continued collaboration among government, development partners, the private sector, and diaspora communities will be essential to ensure sustainable urban futures for the Somali Region.