By M.A. Egge
For the first time in the history of the country, the successive budget of the year has been planned and executed in the slated time-frame as per ordained schedule within the preceding year.
It has even been endorsed and passed by the House of Representatives.
The next year’s annual budget (National Budget 2026 Estimates) is hailed as the first to be prepared and approved within the designated timeframe as ascertained during the 47th session of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland, chaired by the President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, while flanked by his deputy, the Vice President, H.E. Mohamed Ali aw Abdi, held on Wednesday at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.
At the same time, achievement has significantly been made as concerns the revenue targets set out in the 2025 national budget, confirming tangibly that the ministry successfully met its revenue and economic growth objectives for the period January–December 2025.
Similarly the government of Somaliland has stepped up efforts in fledgling the sports sector and supporting the livestock industry to the hilt as tangibly shown during the first year of President Abdirahman Irro’s tenure.
The end year weekly Cabinet meeting likewise emphasized that the ministries should swiftly collate their annual assessments of activities, tasks and initiatives using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Their deliberations dwelt on a range of key national issues such as the highlighted below: –
- National Security Situation
The Minister of Interior and National Security, Hon. Abdalle Mohamed Arab, briefed the members of the cabinet on the overall security situation, stating that security across the Republic of Somaliland remains stable and calm, with no major security threats or unrest reported in any region. He noted, however, that routine criminal incidents within communities and traffic accidents remain the leading causes of fatalities in the country. - National Revenue and Economic Performance
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Abdillahi Hassan Adan presented a comprehensive report on national revenue and economic performance. He stated that the ministry made significant efforts to achieve the revenue targets set out in the 2025 national budget, confirming that the ministry successfully met its revenue and economic growth objectives for the period January–December 2025.
The minister expressed appreciation to the President, the Council of Ministers, national institutions, the House of Representatives, and Ministry staff for their crucial role in the preparation, debate, approval and implementation of the 2026 National Budget.
He pointed out that the 2026 budget was the first ever to be prepared and approved within the designated timeframe.
He further noted that the Ministry is accelerating efforts to enhance the utilization and modern service delivery of Berbera Port for traders from neighboring countries, particularly Ethiopia.
In this regard, the Secretary General of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce, accompanied by a high-level delegation from regional administrations of Ethiopia, paid a working visit to Somaliland this week, during which they toured Berbera Port, the National Fuel Storage Facilities and the Free Zone.
- National Health Situation
The Minister of Health Development, Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, briefed the cabinet on the overall health situation in the country. He outlined the ministry’s priorities, including improving healthcare services, safeguarding public health, addressing existing challenges, and enhancing the quality and accessibility of health services nationwide.
The minister also urged the public to exercise increased caution regarding the quality of drinking water during the ongoing drought conditions. - Somaliland Livestock Trade and Production Expo
The Minister of Livestock and Rural Development, Dr. Omar Shu’ayb Mohamed, presented a detailed report on the outcomes of the Livestock Trade and Production Expo. He described the expo as a national platform that facilitated in-depth discussions on the future of livestock trade and the sector’s critical role in economic growth.
The Minister emphasized that the expo reaffirmed livestock as the backbone of Somaliland’s economy and highlighted the existence of vast opportunities that require a national strategy, investment and coordinated partnerships to fully harness the sector’s potential.
The expo brought together pastoralists, traders, investors, government institutions and private sector companies, focusing discussions on challenges within the livestock value chain, domestic and international market opportunities, expansion of veterinary services and related infrastructure, and the development of a national strategy to modernize livestock production.
He further noted that the expo demonstrated Somaliland’s capacity for modern livestock feed production, processing of dairy products, meat, eggs and honey, and the development of products that meet international market standards. - Youth and Sports Sector Update
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Ahmed-Yaasiin Maxamed Farah, briefed the Council on the Ministry’s ongoing activities. He reported that regional sports leagues across the country have concluded successfully, with the Champions of Champions tournament scheduled to take place in Berbera on 1 January 2026.
He also noted that preparations for the National Inter-Regional Tournament are underway to ensure a transparent and well-organized national competition. The Minister stressed that the future of sports in Somaliland depends on sustained investment, improved sports infrastructure and the nurturing of youth talent and creativity, positioning sports as a tool for social cohesion, public health promotion and future opportunities for young people. - Preparation Framework for the Government’s 2025 Performance Report
The Minister of the Presidency, Hon. Khadar Hussein Abdi, briefed the Council on the framework for preparing the Government’s 2025 performance report. He explained that the process aims to provide a comprehensive overview of tangible achievements made over the year, aligned with government commitments, the ruling party’s political program and national priorities.
He emphasized the importance of each ministry assessing completed activities, pending tasks and planned initiatives using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
The Minister also called for the acceleration of the Government Communication Strategy to ensure coherent, unified and coordinated messaging across all government institutions. - Discussion on the National Land Administration Policy
The Attorney General, Hon. Ali Bashe Mohamed, together with the Minister of Public Works, Land and Housing, Hussein Ahmed Aydeed, presented a joint briefing on the National Land Administration Policy. They explained that the policy lays the groundwork for the development of a comprehensive Land Administration Law and sector-specific land management policies.
They noted that the policy aims to establish a robust legal framework for transparent, fair and efficient land governance, while preventing land-related disputes.
The Council deliberated on the policy and agreed that discussions would continue in the next session, God willing.