The estimates are 22% higher than the previous year and covers for 11% deficit incurred from past years’ estimates of 2022-24
By M.A. Egge
The 2026 National Budget Estimates has been approved by the Council of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland during their 43rd weekly session.
This happens to be the 35th national budget estimate of the country.
It was chaired by the President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, on Thursday at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.
The entire meeting was dedicated to discussing the 2026 National Budget Forecast save for a briefing on the country’s overall security situation that was presented by the State Minister for Interior and National Security, Hon. Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed (Magaalo).
It is 22% higher than the previous one hence has also covered for 11% deficit incurred during the past successive three years’ budgets of 2022 to 2024.
Presentation of the 2026 National Budget Estimates forecast
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Abdillahi Hassan Aden, delivered a detailed briefing to the Cabinet.
Present at the session were the Accountant General, the Director-General of Finance, and the Director of the Budget Department and his deputy.
The 2026 National Budget, which is the 35th national budget and the largest in Somaliland’s history, prioritizes:
- Strengthening social services
- Enhancing national defense
- Improving internal security
- Expanding economic infrastructure
- Protecting economic and fiscal stability
The Minister elaborated on the fact that previous budgets—2022, 2023, and 2024—faced an average deficit of 11%, while the 2026 forecast represents a 22% increase in revenue compared to the 2024 budget. This means the Ministry has balanced the previous 11% deficit while achieving an additional 11% revenue increase going into 2026.
Key Budget Figures
- 2026 Central Government Budget Forecast:
SL Shs 2,866,183,568,109 - 2025 Central Government Budget:
SL Shs 2,593,431,251,887 - Difference:
SL Shs 272,752,316,222 — an 11% increase over the 2025 budget.
The Minister also detailed the structure of the 2026 National Budget, broken down as follows:
- Central Government Budget – 63%
- Local Government Budgets – 12%
- World Bank & African Development Bank Projects – 17%
- Revenue-Generating Agencies – 8%
Total Combined National Budget for 2026 is thus SL Shs 4,584,959,018,356
Cabinet Approval
After the presentation, the Minister of Finance respectfully requested that the Cabinet approve the 2026 National Budget so it can be submitted to the House of Representatives on schedule.
The Head of State thereafter called for a tentative vote on the budget forecast in which: –
- 40 ministers voted in favor
- 1 voted against
- None abstained
A total of 41 ministers were present at the 43rd Cabinet session.