Somaliland holds wide-ranging discussions with international development partners in Nairobi

The Government of Somaliland on Tuesday held wide-ranging discussions with international development partners in Nairobi, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive growth, climate resilience and long-term economic sustainability.

The government said the discussions focused on aligning support with national priorities, improving coordination and expanding partnerships that can deliver tangible gains for communities across the country.

Somaliland’s Ambassador to Kenya, Dr. Mohamed Abdilahi Omar, said the meeting underscored the government’s push for transparent and accountable cooperation with external partners.

The forum, organized by Somaliland’s Ministry of Planning and National Development and chaired by Minister Kaltuun Sheikh Hasan Abdi, featured a detailed presentation by Finance and Economic Development Minister Abdillahi Hasan Adan. He outlined the country’s economic trajectory, including growth in government revenue, national budget performance, inflation trends, labor market conditions, and critical indicators reflecting both positive advancements and challenges.

Attendees included high-level Somaliland representatives such as the President’s Advisor on Economic Affairs, the Director General of the Ministry of Planning, the Somaliland Ambassador to Kenya, Hon. Mohamed Abdullahi Omar and technical experts from various ministries and agencies.

International participants represented major development partners, including several European governments, the United States, the United Nations, the European Union, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank.

Sessions showcased Somaliland’s development gains over the current year, analyzed data on drought impacts and humanitarian needs, and aligned efforts with the National Development Plan’s priorities.

A key focus was on untapped investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, livestock, minerals, and energy—resources seen as vital for driving economic growth and creating employment.

The HLDCF serves as the premier platform for coordinating Somaliland’s development efforts, fostering joint priority-setting and enhancing planning systems. Participants concluded with a commitment to collaboratively prepare and implement future development programs, underscoring the value of sustained international partnership.

In the days following the forum, Minister Abdillahi Hasan Adan is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings in Nairobi with representatives from the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and several European governments to advance specific initiatives.

“This engagement reflects Somaliland’s strategic vision to foster resilient, people-centred development through transparent dialogue and international cooperation,” Dr. Omar stated

He said Somaliland is seeking to gradually shift away from traditional aid arrangements toward long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.

“We aim to reduce aid dependency and move onto partnerships that deliver benefits for all parties involved to sustain our future,” Dr. Omar said.

Somaliland has prioritised economic diversification, climate resilience and institution-building as part of its medium-term development agenda, and officials say sustained collaboration with international partners remains central to achieving those goals.

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