The Republic of Somaliland’s Ministry of Finance has launched a major public consultation process for the preparation of the 2027 National Budget, bringing government officials, community representatives, academics and civil society actors together in Erigavo to ensure public participation in national financial planning.
The high-level consultation meeting, held at Sanaag University, was organized by the Ministry of Finance in partnership with the university administration and focused on strengthening the role of citizens in shaping government spending priorities and development plans.
The initiative is part of the government’s commitment to transparency and public accountability, in line with the Public Financial Management Law No. 75/2025, which encourages broader stakeholder participation in the national budgeting process.
The meeting brought together representatives from different sectors of society, who presented recommendations and proposals aimed at addressing local development priorities and ensuring that the 2027 budget reflects the needs of communities across Somaliland.
Leading the Ministry of Finance delegation was Minister of Finance Hon. Abdullahi Hassan Aden, accompanied by the Ministry’s Director General Mr. Mohamed Hassan Saleeban and senior officials from various departments.
Other senior officials attending included Deputy Auditor General Mr. Mustafe Ahmed Mahmoud, Sanaag Regional Governor Mr. Mahmoud Rage Ibrahim, Erigavo District Local Government Secretary Said Omar Aabi, Sanaag Regional Secretary Mahmoud Abdi Osman, and Sanaag University President Ibrahim Duale Hussein, alongside other government representatives and distinguished guests.
Citizens Bring Development Priorities to Budget Table
During the hours-long discussions, participants exchanged ideas, recommendations and proposals covering a range of issues affecting the region and the country’s wider development agenda.
The Ministry of Finance officials welcomed the contributions from community representatives, saying the recommendations would be carefully considered during the preparation of the government’s 2027 budget estimates.
Participants praised the Ministry for opening a platform that allows citizens and civil society groups to directly contribute to national financial decision-making.
“We appreciate the opportunity provided by the Ministry of Finance for communities to share their views and participate in shaping the national budget,” attendees said.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
Senior Ministry officials emphasized that public consultation has become an important part of Somaliland’s approach to improving governance, strengthening accountability and ensuring that government resources are directed toward national priorities.
The annual consultation process gives citizens an opportunity to influence budget planning before final approval, marking a shift toward greater openness in public financial management.
The Ministry of Finance, which is responsible for preparing the national budget, increasing domestic revenue and managing government expenditure, said the engagement reflects the government’s commitment to building stronger cooperation between state institutions and the public.
A Step Toward Inclusive Development
The Erigavo consultation is part of a wider nationwide effort to involve communities in the preparation of Somaliland’s annual budget.
Observers say the initiative represents progress toward stronger institutional governance, improved transparency and increased public confidence in the management of national resources.
By bringing budget discussions closer to citizens, the government aims to ensure that development priorities are shaped not only by institutions in the capital but also by communities across Somaliland’s regions.