Hargeisa (SLpost)- Somaliland’s Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has launched a two-day workshop in Hargeisa as part of a wider Customs Modernisation Programme aimed at improving customs administration, strengthening economic resilience and facilitating trade.
The workshop, running from November 11 to 12, was officially opened by Abdirahman Ismail (Irro), Director of the Customs Department at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. Around 60 customs managers and staff members are taking part in the sessions.
The programme is designed to improve the balance between effective customs controls and the smooth movement of goods. It focuses on strengthening customs procedures, improving administrative efficiency and making trade processes more transparent and effective.
The wider programme will run for eight days and include training sessions and activities across different regions of the country. The Hargeisa workshop represents the first phase, with further sessions planned in other regions.
According to the Ministry, the initiative aims to improve the management and performance of customs operations, strengthen control systems and make both domestic and international trade easier and more efficient.
The programme is being implemented through cooperation between the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the SERP Project, which is funded by the World Bank. It is expected to contribute to better customs services, improved institutional capacity and more effective revenue administration.
Strengthening Somaliland’s revenue administration
The latest training initiative comes amid broader efforts by the Somaliland government to reform its customs administration and improve public revenue collection.
In October 2026, the Ministry of Finance held consultations with importers, customs clearing agents, shipping companies, business representatives and other stakeholders in Berbera to discuss proposed amendments to Somaliland’s Customs Law, Law No. 73/2016. The discussions focused on updating the legal framework to reflect modern trade requirements, improve customs services and strengthen the regulation of goods entering and passing through Somaliland.
Finance Minister Abdilahi Hassan Aadan also led inspections of customs and revenue offices at Berbera Port, including the Customs Centre, the Customs Inspection Branch and regional revenue offices. The visits were intended to assess operational performance, identify administrative challenges and strengthen accountability in revenue collection.
These developments highlight the government’s broader approach to customs reform, combining improvements to legislation, institutional capacity and the daily management of customs operations.
Supporting trade and economic development
The modernisation initiative comes amid wider efforts to strengthen Somaliland’s public financial management and improve the business environment. Efficient customs services are essential for supporting private-sector growth, encouraging investment and improving the country’s competitiveness as a regional trading hub.
The eight-day Customs Modernisation Programme is being implemented through cooperation between the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the SERP Project, funded by the World Bank.
The partnership is expected to support institutional capacity-building, improve the quality of customs services and strengthen the effectiveness of revenue administration.
For Somaliland, customs administration remains an important part of public financial management and economic development. Improving customs procedures and reducing unnecessary delays in trade could help create a more predictable business environment, support importers and exporters, and strengthen government revenue.
The ministry expects the programme to contribute to a more transparent, efficient and secure customs system capable of supporting Somaliland’s economic growth and long-term resilience.
