Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and DanChurchAid (DCA) announced on April 20, 2026, that they have decided to initiate a process of establishing a Joint Country Programme (JCP) in Somalia, with NCA serving as the lead agency, according to a press release by Norwegian Church Aid. The decision reflects the two organizations’ long-standing strategic partnership through Joint Country Programmes. Both parties cited a shared commitment to deepening collaboration where it can add the greatest value.
Somalia has been identified by NCA and DCA as a priority country for strengthened cooperation. The decision builds on NCA’s existing engagement in the country, complementary thematic strengths between the two organizations, and a common ambition to improve outcomes for communities affected by conflict, climate vulnerability, and protracted humanitarian needs.
The new JCP will bring together the collective strengths of both organizations under a single programmatic framework. NCA’s established presence in Somalia provides a foundation for the joint programme. DCA’s participation signals a new chapter of engagement for the Danish organization in that country.
The organizations described the move as “an exciting and important step, not only as a continuation of our cooperation, but as a reaffirmation of NCA’s long-term commitment to Somalia and an interest from DCA to also work there, together in ways that maximise our collective strengths.” Both parties expressed a commitment to shaping a programme that is ambitious, principled, and firmly rooted in the realities and opportunities of the Somali context.
The ambition is for the new JCP in Somalia to come into effect by January 1, 2027. The two organizations stated they look forward to the collaboration ahead. This agreement marks a formal step toward a coordinated, joint operational presence in Somalia.
