Abdinasir A. Hersi, Governor of the Central Bank of Somaliland, has marked a significant milestone in regional financial collaboration with a high-level meeting in Djibouti. Joining forces with H.E. Ahmed Osman Ali, Governor of Banque Centrale de Djibouti, the two leaders have committed to deepening cooperation in banking, trade, knowledge sharing, and critical anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) initiatives.
This landmark meeting underscores a shared vision to enhance financial stability across the Horn of Africa, a region where robust AML/CFT frameworks could reduce illicit financial flows by up to 30%, according to a 2019 IMF study on financial law. Djibouti’s proven track record, including a 15% increase in financial inclusion since 2013 through reforms like modernized payment systems and Islamic finance, offers a promising blueprint for Somaliland’s development.
Governor Hersi’s recent diplomatic efforts extend beyond Djibouti, with notable tours to Ethiopia and Taiwan further solidifying Somaliland’s economic outreach. In Ethiopia, his September 2025 visit focused on strengthening trade and investment ties, aligning with the World Bank’s BOOST Project under the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
This initiative aims to reduce trade costs and foster sustainable growth, with Hersi’s leadership earning praise for enhancing Somaliland-Ethiopia relations. Meanwhile, his pioneering trip to Taiwan in September 2025 has paved the way for innovative financial modernization.
Collaborating with Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung François and senior officials, Hersi secured agreements to establish a Somaliland Deposit Protection Fund through Memoranda of Understanding, building on a partnership initiated in 2019.
This collaboration with the Central Bank of Taiwan and other financial bodies positions Somaliland as an emerging player in the Horn of Africa region. Governor Hersi’s multifaceted approach reflects a commitment to leveraging technology and international alliances to drive economic resilience.
As the Horn of Africa continues to attract global attention, his efforts align with broader regional trends, such as Djibouti’s recent digital transformation talks with Romania. These initiatives promise to bolster economic, social, and climate resilience, offering a beacon of hope for sustainable development in Somaliland and beyond.
With these strategic partnerships, Governor Hersi is steering Somaliland toward a prosperous future, enhancing its role on the global stage while fostering regional stability.