Hornpost
Hargeisa (Hornpost) The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland on Thursday approved the 2026 National Budget Forecast, according to an official statement issued by the Presidency.
Budget Discussion Dominates 43rd Cabinet Session:
The 43rd session of the Cabinet, chaired by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), focused almost entirely on the 2026 budget proposal. Aside from a brief security update delivered by the state minister for Interior and National Security, Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed (Magalo), ministers examined the full fiscal outlook for the coming year.
Finance Minister: 2026 Will Be Somaliland’s Largest Budget Yet
Minister of Finance and Economic Development Republic of Somaliland Abdillahi Hassan Adan presented the detailed forecast, noting that the 2026 budget will be the largest in the nation’s history. The plan prioritizes expansion of social services, strengthening of defense and security, development of economic infrastructure, and safeguarding macroeconomic stability.
Revenue Growth and Deficit Recovery Highlight Fiscal Outlook:
According to the minister, previous budgets from 2022 to 2024 recorded an average deficit of 11%. However, the 2026 forecast reflects a 22% revenue increase compared to the 2024 budget, effectively closing the earlier shortfall while projecting an additional 11% growth.
Central Government Budget Reaches 2.86 trillion Somaliland Shillings
The 2026 Central Government Budget is estimated at 2.866 trillion ShSL, up from 2.553 trillion ShSL in 2025 — a rise of 272 billion ShSL, or roughly 11%.
Breakdown of the 2026 National Budget:
Central Government: 63%
Local Governments: 12%
World Bank & African Development Bank Projects: 17%
Revenue-Generating Agencies: 8%
The total consolidated national budget for 2026 is projected at 4.584 trillion ShSL.
Cabinet Endorses Budget with Overwhelming Majority:
Following deliberations, President Cirro called for a vote by show of hands of the 41 ministers present, 40 voted in favor and one voted against, with no abstentions.
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Hornpost staff Reporter
