Mogadishu, Somalia – In a move to strengthen fiscal management and bilateral cooperation, the Federal Government of Somalia’s Minister of Finance, Bihi Imaan Ige, welcomed a delegation from the United Kingdom to the Mogadishu Port. The delegation was led by the UK Ambassador to Somalia, Charles King, and included members from the UK’s Development Office.
The primary purpose of the visit was to inspect and evaluate the progress of Somalia’s domestic revenue modernization efforts, a key initiative supported by the UK. The focus of the visit was on the SOMCAS system, an online platform jointly developed with UK assistance to streamline collaboration between the port’s financial administration and Somali businesses. This system is a significant step towards digitizing revenue collection and enhancing transparency and efficiency in financial management.
Following the inspection, Ambassador King reiterated the UK government’s commitment to continuing its partnership with Somalia and supporting its development plans, particularly those aimed at boosting domestic revenue. Minister Ige expressed his gratitude for the UK’s consistent support, emphasizing that modernizing revenue sources is a top priority for the Ministry of Finance to increase national income.
This collaboration highlights a shared vision for a more economically self-sufficient Somalia, with international partners like the UK playing a crucial role in building the institutional capacity needed for sustainable growth.
