This research report examines the progress, persistent challenges and emerging opportunities in advancing humanitarian localisation and local leadership in Somalia since 2020. Building on Oxfam’s earlier Breaking the Localisation Deadlock study, it provides an in-depth assessment of how local and national non-governmental organisations are strengthening institutional capacity, accessing direct funding and engaging in coordination and decision-making spaces.
The analysis draws on key informant interviews, focus group discussions and the Humanitarian Country Capacity Assessment (HUCOCA) tool to explore evolving power dynamics, partnership equity and the interplay between local actors, donors, international NGOs and government structures. The report highlights evidence of progress alongside enduring barriers to equitable power sharing and sustainable local leadership, and offers strategic recommendations for donors, INGOs, local and national actors, and government stakeholders to advance a genuinely locally driven humanitarian system in Somalia.
