The days in Lusaka
30th March 2025 — It was Eid Day! This Eid was supposed to be different, my first Eid with my new family. I had been so excited, planning to rest, reconnect with loved ones, and just breathe a little after weeks of intense work. But fate had other plans. I had to travel to Lusaka for the LDC Future Forum, where I was scheduled to speak and present a research paper I co-authored under the ICE Institute. So, after the Eid prayers and a quick breakfast, I slipped into a t-shirt and jeans, grabbed my travel pack, and headed to the airport.
As I approached the road near Ali Jimale Mosque, I saw crowds returning from prayer, joyful, radiant faces filling the streets. The atmosphere was warm in every sense. The sun was unrelenting — 30 degrees and unforgiving. Just two steps felt like running a marathon! Still, the spirit of Eid lingered in the air. I smiled, soaking in that brief moment of celebration before shifting into travel mode.
At Sahal Terminal, I boarded the bus to the main airport, and with hours before boarding, I pulled out a new book: The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson — a fictional but deeply thoughtful take on climate justice in the future. It felt fitting, given the purpose of my trip.
Layover in Addis Ababa — Unexpected Encounters
We landed in Addis for a 6-hour layover. I planned to continue reading and prep for my panel engagements in Lusaka. Just as I settled into my zone, a familiar voice called out: “Hey, Okash, is that you?” I turned to see Sharmarke, an energy entrepreneur from Tamarso whom I had met at our ICE Symposium in 2023. He wasn’t quite sure it was me, perhaps because my name isn’t exactly a household one unless you’re my neighbour — lol!
He looked relieved to find a familiar face. “Where are you headed?” he asked. “Lusaka,” I replied. His face lit up. “Thank God, I thought I’d be spending the whole layover alone,” I assured him he had good company.
Our chat wandered into deep conversations on Somalia’s energy transition, the challenges, the gaps, and the immense opportunities. We shared thoughts about our work and how vital it is for Somalia’s economic transformation and environmental sustainability.
We checked into the lounge using our visa cards, although I had to update my app because the bank had just upgraded it! Inside, we were welcomed by the warm aroma of Ethiopian buna and an array of delicious desserts. As the boarding hour neared, we made our way to the gate, excited for the journey ahead. Neither of us had ever been to Zambia, and here we were, stepping into the mother continent with fresh eyes.
Arrival in Lusaka — Midnight Welcome
We landed in Lusaka around 1AM. Tired but curious, we joined the immigration queue. I was asked to pay $25 for a visa, which I challenged politely, explaining I was an invited delegate. “Here’s my letter,” I said. The officer nodded, smiled, stamped my passport, and said, “Welcome to Zambia.”
Outside, a gentleman with a conference sign awaited us. A bus took us to our hotel the Intercontinental Lusaka, which also happened to be the conference venue. Inside the bus were researchers from across LDC, equally exhausted and silent. Everyone just wanted one thing: sleep. And sleep I did peacefully.
First Day in Lusaka — Eid, Sort Of
It was officially a new day but not the Eid I imagined. No one around me was celebrating. I had left behind the sweets, laughter, and family hugs. But Sharmarke was there. We took a taxi to get SIM cards, exchanged currency, and treated ourselves to a hearty meal — T-bone steak and salad at a cosy restaurant in the mall.
Back at the hotel, I checked in. Later in the evening, the forum officially opened with registration, dinner, cultural dance, and welcoming speeches. Madam Rabab Fatima of UN-OHRLLS and Zambia’s Minister of ICT delivered compelling remarks. As I savoured my apple drink and a slice of brownie, I spotted an old friend, a fellow youth delegate from Lesotho, whom I met at the UN LDC conference in Doha. We laughed, shared memories, and I joked, “Do you think President Trump knows Lesotho is a country now?”
1st to 3rd April — Dialogue, Knowledge & Resiliant Future
The main conference days were a powerful experience filled with momentum, meaning, and a deep sense of purpose. The program officially began with a compelling keynote address by the President of Zambia, setting the tone for high-level dialogue rooted in action, resilience, and collective ambition. The sessions were intense, with little room for pause, back-to-back panels, paper presentations, and networking opportunities that brought together changemakers from across the Global South.
On the second day, I had the privilege of presenting my paper titled “Exploring Climate Change Resilience of Major Crops in Somalia: Implications for Ensuring Food Security”. It was a proud moment not just to share our research from the ICE Institute, but to place Somalia’s climate and food security challenges at the centre of a global conversation. After my session, I had the pleasure of meeting incredible individuals, social entrepreneurs, researchers, academics, and development actors, all doing transformative work in their home countries. The energy in the room was infectious, and every exchange felt like a seed of future collaboration.
On the final day, delegates were invited to explore Lusaka through a selection of curated field visits. I chose to visit Foxdale Forest a sustainable housing community designed to reduce emissions, conserve water, and demonstrate practical solutions to urban climate challenges. Walking through this model neighbourhood, I was inspired by what is possible when environmental consciousness meets innovation. It gave me ideas, but more importantly, hope that with vision and commitment, such models could one day shape the future of Somali cities and communities.
Reflections from Lusaka
Though I missed Eid at home, this journey was a reminder that sometimes duty calls us beyond our comfort zones, and those moments often bring unexpected joys, new friendships, and deeper purpose. From sharing buna in Addis to exploring climate solutions in Lusaka, this was an Eid unlike any other one of service, reflection, and dreams for a greener, stronger Somalia.
On my journey back home, I boarded a midnight flight from Lusaka to Addis and finally to Mogadishu. It had been a packed few days filled with inspiration, engagement, and new connections. But nothing could prepare me for the surprisingly warm encounter I had at the Lusaka immigration counter.
As I approached, the officer looked up, smiled, and asked, “How are you, and how was your stay?” a simple gesture, but one that felt unusually genuine for an airport exit point. I responded with appreciation, telling him how welcoming the people were and how much I enjoyed the forum. Then, with a curious look, he asked, “Would you love to come back?”
Without hesitation, I said, “Absolutely! I have every reason to return. Your hospitality has been truly heartwarming, and besides, I haven’t even seen Victoria Falls yet!” We both laughed, and he smiled as he stamped my passport. “Then you must come back and see it next time.”
Until next time, Lusaka.