Somaliland Finance Ministry Trains Tax Officers to Strengthen Revenue System and Economic Growth.
HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn post) Ministry of Finance and Economic Development of the Republic of Somaliland has launched a targeted training program for tax enforcement officers, aiming to improve revenue collection efficiency, strengthen compliance, and support long-term economic growth.
The program, officially opened by Director General Mohamed Hassan Saleban, brings together 25 officers from the Tax Protection Unit for an intensive two-day course focused on public financial management laws, enforcement procedures, and customer service standards.
Officials say the initiative is part of broader government reforms to modernize the tax system, enhance institutional capacity, and ensure transparency in revenue collection.
Strengthening Tax Enforcement and Public Trust
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Hargeisa, DG Mohamed Hassan Saleban underscored the critical role tax officers play in maintaining a fair and effective fiscal system.
“Improving the skills of our tax officers is essential to building a transparent and accountable revenue framework,” he said. “This will not only increase domestic revenue but also strengthen public trust in government institutions.”
He added that the ministry is working toward establishing a structured training curriculum specifically for tax enforcement personnel, aligning their skills with those of civilian tax officials to ensure coordinated and professional operations.
In remarks delivered in Somali, the director general emphasized the national importance of the unit’s work, noting that tax officers serve as a frontline force in safeguarding government revenue and ensuring compliance across multiple tax streams.
Focus on Compliance, Accountability, and Service Delivery
The training is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of Somaliland’s financial laws while promoting ethical conduct and accountability in enforcement activities. It also places a strong emphasis on improving engagement with taxpayers to encourage voluntary compliance.
Authorities say better-trained officers can help reduce inefficiencies, limit opportunities for corruption, and improve overall service delivery within the tax system.
The Tax Protection Unit plays a central role in supporting the ministry’s revenue collection efforts, including oversight of customs duties, business taxes, and annual profit-based levies imposed on companies.
Economic Impact and Reform Agenda
Economic analysts note that strengthening domestic revenue systems is a key pillar of sustainable development in Somaliland. A more efficient and transparent tax framework can increase government income, reduce reliance on external support, and create a more stable environment for investment.
The Ministry of Finance has indicated that similar capacity-building programs will be rolled out in the future as part of ongoing fiscal reforms aimed at modernizing public financial management and driving inclusive economic growth.
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