Hargeisa, Somaliland – Somaliland’s public finances received a welcome boost this week after the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Ismail Mawliid Abdillahi, announced that national revenue collections for the first ten months of the year had met—and in some cases surpassed—the government’s projections.
The announcement comes at a critical time as the administration pushes ahead with fiscal reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and economic resilience. According to the Deputy Minister, the strong performance reflects improved efficiency in tax administration, tighter oversight of customs operations, and enhanced compliance among both public institutions and private businesses.
Under Somaliland’s Public Revenue and Financial Management Laws, all government income must be deposited directly into the National Treasury—a measure introduced to prevent leakages and ensure that every shilling collected supports the national budget. The Ministry has intensified its monitoring systems to enforce this requirement, signaling a firmer stance against off-book collections or unreported funds.
Economists say this positive trend offers a degree of optimism for a government navigating complex fiscal pressures, from rising operational costs to limited external financing. With revenue collection on track, the Ministry is expected to channel more funds into social services, infrastructure, and public sector salaries—key areas that have faced strain in recent years.
Observers view the latest update as a testament to the government’s broader economic discipline. By maintaining consistent revenue growth and adhering to strict financial laws, Somaliland continues to strengthen the credibility of its public finance system—an essential step toward building investor confidence and supporting long-term development goals.
As the year draws to a close, the Ministry’s focus will shift to consolidating these gains, ensuring that the progress made in revenue collection translates into tangible improvements in service delivery and economic stability for the people of Somaliland.