A Budget that Signals New Era for SRS
The Somali Regional State (SRS) has entered the 2019 E.C. fiscal year with a powerful statement of intent. In its first Executive Council session of the 2019 E.C. fiscal year, the region approved a record-breaking budget of 108.9 billion birr. What makes this milestone even more significant is that 51% of the budget will be financed through domestic revenue — a clear sign that SRS is strengthening its economic backbone and reducing reliance on external sources.
Beyond the Numbers
Budgets are not just financial documents; they are reflections of values and priorities. This year’s budget represents a 45% increase compared to last year, signaling both ambition and confidence in the region’s growth trajectory. It shows that SRS is not only planning for expansion but also investing in its people and institutions.
Key Decisions from the Session
- Performance review of the 2018 E.C. fiscal year, assessing achievements and challenges.
- 2019 E.C. budget approval — the headline decision, setting the tone for accelerated development.
- Tax revenue reforms to strengthen fiscal discipline and broaden the revenue base.
- Recognition of Jeel Ogaadeen as a memorial site, honoring victims of past atrocities and embedding justice into the region’s future.
Watch the Video
The Head of the Finance Bureau of the Somali Regional State (SRS), Hon. Dayib Ahmed-nur, delivered a detailed briefing on the 1st Session of the SRS Executive Council for the 2019 E.C. fiscal year. During this session, the Council officially approved the regional budget amounting to 108.9 billion birr, covering all sectors of the Somali Regional State.
Why This Matters
The approval of such a large budget is more than a financial achievement. It reflects a transformative moment for SRS — a shift toward self-reliance, a commitment to social justice, and a determination to accelerate development programs. By balancing economic growth with historical recognition, SRS is charting a path that is both forward-looking and deeply rooted in its collective memory.
Looking Ahead
President Mustafe’s directives emphasized the urgency of turning these numbers into action — expanding public services, improving infrastructure, and delivering tangible benefits to citizens. The challenge now is implementation: ensuring that the bold figures translate into real progress in health, education, and livelihoods.
The 2019 E.C. budget is not just bigger; it’s transformative. It is a declaration that SRS is ready to stand tall, confront its past, and invest in a future where prosperity and dignity are shared by all.
