Somaliland Holds National Forum on Governance and Economic Growth in Hargeisa

The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Awareness of the Republic of Somaliland today hosted a high-level public awareness forum on governance and economic growth, bringing together government leaders, experts, and civil society in the capital, Hargeisa.

The event, titled “Forum on Public Awareness for Good Governance and Economic Development,” aimed to strengthen citizens’ understanding of state institutions and highlight pathways to accelerate economic growth.

The forum was attended by cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, state ministers, heads of public agencies, academics, and private sector leaders. In her opening remarks, Saynab Mohamed Abdi, a member of the organizing committee, briefed participants on the stages of preparation that led to the successful convening of the forum.

Minister of Information, Culture, and Awareness, Sheikh Ahmed-Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayanle, emphasized the significance of the initiative, noting that strong governance and public awareness are pillars of sustainable development. He underscored the ministry’s commitment to promoting civic education and transparency across the country.

Ministers from the ministries of Investment, Commerce, and Finance also addressed the gathering, highlighting the critical role of private sector growth, sound fiscal management, and foreign investment in boosting the national economy.

The forum also featured an academic panel discussion with contributions from leading scholars including Dr. Sa’ad Ali Shire, Dr. Bayle, and Professor Bulhan, who presented in-depth analyses on strategies to enhance economic growth, institutional resilience, and governance reforms. Audience members engaged the panelists with questions about challenges and opportunities facing Somaliland’s development agenda.

Other speakers included the Chairman of the Somaliland Chamber of Commerce, the head of the National Insurance Authority, economist Professor Abdissalan Yassin,  Dr. Saleeban Abdi Guuleed, researcher Ahmed Yusuf Dirir, advisors from the Central Bank, and representatives of Hargeisa University and SONSAF.

The forum concluded with a communiqué read by Minister Sheikh Ahmed-Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayanle, outlining key recommendations on strengthening governance, expanding economic opportunities, and promoting public engagement in national development.

The initiative reflects Somaliland’s continuing efforts to link governance reforms with economic modernization as the country seeks to deepen democratic institutions and attract investment.