Investigating the Challenges in Structural Analysis and Design Practices in Somalia: A Path toward Safer Buildings

Somalia’s construction sector grapples with systemic challenges threatening building safety, including fragmented regulations, unskilled labor, and substandard materials. Using a mixed methods approach, this study analyzes survey responses from 50 professionals and insights from 15 stakeholders to identify key structural challenges. Key findings reveal that 95% of respondents attribute safety risks to the lack of unified building codes, 85% report poor-quality concrete, and 70% cite high material costs as a barrier to compliance. Interviews with engineers, architects, contractors, and academics confirm that financial constraints, outdated training methods, and inadequate risk management exacerbate these issues. Recommendations include adopting Somalia-specific building codes, establishing a National Construction Authority, and prioritizing vocational training. This study underscores the urgency of systemic reforms to mitigate collapse risks and foster resilient infrastructure.