In a significant move towards inclusive governance, the Banadir regional administration in Mogadishu recently hosted a public consultation forum to gather input from citizens, businesses, and civil society organizations on the proposed 2025 budget. The event marked a significant step forward in promoting transparency and community engagement in the city’s development agenda.
The consultation, attended by representatives from various sectors, including government officials, business leaders, youth, and women’s groups, provided a direct platform for participants to voice their concerns, priorities, and recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year. The event was inaugurated by Isse Mahmoud Gourey, the Deputy Governor and Minister of Finance for the Banadir region, who emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping the budget.
“The purpose of this consultation is to ensure that the public understands how their tax contributions are being utilized,” Gourey stated. “We aim to provide a detailed overview of how funds are allocated and the critical areas we plan to invest in during the 2025 fiscal year. Your input is crucial in guiding the development priorities and progress of the Banadir region.”
Nuur Osman Karshe, the Director-General of Administration and Finance for the Banadir region, elaborated on the proposed budget plan for 2025, highlighting the administration’s commitment to incorporating valuable insights and suggestions from the public. “We have dedicated ample time to gather meaningful perspectives that will inform the appropriate budget allocations,” Karshe said. “We will revisit these inputs repeatedly to ensure they are adequately addressed.”
The consultation process was hailed as a historic milestone, marking the first time citizens of Banadir actively participated in shaping the regional budget. Karshe expressed optimism that this initial engagement would pave the way for sustained public involvement, with an increasing number of participants and extended consultation periods in the future. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of engaging residents from various districts to ensure their specific needs and priorities are adequately addressed.
Ahmed Hassan Sharif, the Chairman of the Banadir Regional Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the opportunity for businesses to contribute to the budget discussions. “We are pleased to have the chance to voice our concerns and advocate for the interests of the business community,” he stated. “As representatives of entrepreneurs, we urgently request support in accessing markets, infrastructure development, and the provision of essential services like water and electricity.”
Throughout the consultation, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on various development priorities, including improving healthcare and education services, reconstructing economic infrastructure such as roads and sanitation systems in Mogadishu, and strengthening accountability mechanisms to ensure efficient utilization of regional revenue. Citizens offered valuable recommendations on prioritizing critical development projects while enhancing transparency and accountability.
The Banadir regional administration’s initiative to involve the public in the budgeting process represents a significant step towards inclusive governance and fostering a sense of ownership among citizens. By incorporating diverse perspectives and addressing community concerns, the 2025 budget aims to align with the aspirations of Mogadishu’s residents, paving the way for sustainable development and progress in the region.
