Reflection: UK-Somaliland Trade conference in London

It was a Tuesday morning, 14th Oct, 2014, my first time in the relatively cold but marvellous London that has always been an adventurous destination for me, attending UK-Somaliland Trade conference, at One White Hall in the heart of Westminster. After, numerous requests from close and great friends of mine, I have finally decided to take the pen and reflect on that thought-provoking experience. My views, expressed in the following lines are solely my personal analysis of the conference proceedings. Let me start by thanking the UK’s FCO for the invitation (UK is also generously paying my scholarship in the University of Bristol – which I will reserve for another day!). 

It was immediately apparent that the conference was well-organized and carefully designed with diverse participants from around the world (mostly based in the UK). I have attended humanitarian or development meetings before, organized by the INGOs/UN or governments, but it was my first time to participate such a high-level trade/investment forum, hence both a learning experience and networking space for me. The forum was the first of its kind, exclusively for Somaliland, and the high turnout and the potitions of the delegates were significant gesture of the International interest in the little-known but resource-rich country, Somaliland. In attendance were the president of Somaliland, Ahmed M. Siilanyo, UK’s Ministers for Africa and International Development, half a dozen of Somaliland ministers, many International and UK investment companies as well as successful local entrepreneurs. The articulate and well-prepared speeches from the key speakers, including the president to the minsters and the CEOs, and other key figures were absolutely inspiring and informative. Many of the people I have talked to expressed they either had little or no information about Somaliland before this conference, but all of them had one thing in common - their increasing interest in Somaliland and their believe that it is both strategic and potential area for investment. 

I will not hesitate to highlight three of the most convincing presentations in the conference, according to me, as it is worth giving the credit to those who deserve it. They were from 3 great individuals, whom I personally knew/know very little about them. It is only the way they have engaged their audiences and so effectively passed their respective messages that forced me to say the following: 

 • Dr. Edna Adan – Chairperson and founder, Edna Hospital: her well-planned and self-explaining presentation (about the hospital) was aided by her unique eloquence and the passion she has the very topic she was taking about. I have to say, she has made the hall bit more lively and Somaliland is very lucky to have her.

 • Dr. Hussein Duale, the SL’s Minister for Energy & Resources: I assume there were two reasons for his great presentation; the interest of the topics (oil exploration, minerals and energy) he was talking about, and the extensive knowledge/experience he has the field. I can’t think of a better person to expound our untapped resources. The intelligent manner he was responding to anxious investors’ questions was mesmerising and convincing. 

 • Dr. Sa’ad A. Shire, SL’s minister for Planning and Development: The depth of the information he provided the participants, supported by statistical data with fast growing trends, were clearly exceptional and remarkable. For a foreigner who want to have the most possible data in few minutes, he has given the optimum package. I was proud of having him in such a portfolio. Congratulations to you all!

I have to note my appreciation to all the speakers, and in no way this can be translated that they have not passed their message (indeed they did), but I had to let my heart reflect the day! Finally, during the one-day meeting, my take-aways were: 

 • For Somaliland it was a unique marketing opportunity to ‘sell’ its investment opportunities to the world, considering the fact that It has always been a challenge to get such a platforms to boost the Somaliland’s name and attract potential investors.

 • The UK government has shown its commitment to supporting Somaliland’s strive to sustainable progress and development (am not sure of recognition though!). Indeed both ministers from the UK government underlined their full endorsement for the British companies to investment Somaliland. Let me quote the UK’s minister for Africa, James Duddridge concluded his well-articulated speech “My message to you is simple and clear, go forth and invest Somaliland” as a strong confirmation. • It has also proved the fact that Somaliland has a lot to do when it comes to foreign policy, attracting foreign investment as well as achieving International recognition. To put it more simply, it was one of the first steps to a long and expensive, but worth, journey. 

 • As some scholars might have suggested, I strongly feel that Somaliland should focus on development, trade and investment. We have wasted so much time on searching ‘recognition’. Why don’t we become the ‘Taiwan of Horn of Africa’. Let’s capacitate our young and able men and women and aim to be the hub of Africa’s trade. It may sound impossible, but it is us who can prove or disprove our dreams by either believing in ourselves or turning it empty dreams!

Finally, at personal level, a great moment for me was the joke I had with the president, about a similar experience he had in the UK in the 1960s. I surprised him (as we came out the final session) “I was in Bristol for the same mission you have been to Manchester ages ago………!”, walking beside him were the his ministers of presidency and foreign affairs (seen in the pic. Above). At least we all congratulated to each other, as I disappeared to capture my bus to Bristol. Till next time, I said bye to the showery London’s busy rush hour and the little confusing but sophisticated underground trains!

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( Jama Ismail Noor is a candidate for MSc in International Relations at the University of Bristol, after winning the Chevening scholarship for 2014/15. In the past he has worked with a number of INGOs/Co. in Somaliland, Somalia and East Africa. He also has an MBA and undergraduate degree in Economics. ......This article was first published in FB and national websites on Oct, 2014 )

The Worrying figures of Qat Consumption in Somaliland

A new study discovers the average expenses used daily for buying Qat in Somaliland exceeds $1.5 million whereas the revenue counts only$14,625per day. A research from 50 Qat chewers and 10 Qat sellers (both genders,in four of the capitals of the six main regions of Somaliland-Hargeisa, Berbera, Burao and Erigavo- reveals that the average daily expense on Qat per chewer is $4.95 in a country where more than half of its 3.5 Million populations earn less than a dollar daily.

Qat (Catha Edulis) is green leafy twigs with narcotic effect and grown in East African highlands and like most drugs, it is addictive and must be consumed daily. The majority of Somali men are addicted to Qat, which has a huge influence on their life in Somali society.

The study conducted by Jama Ismail Nor, a university student pursuing a masters degree and has undergraduate degree in Economics, points out that the number of Qat chewers and the amount they chew is increasing steadily than ever before.

The study carried out last year, suggests that the cheap taxation imposed on Qat is a root cause for the ever increasing Qat consumption in Somaliland. Besides the big difference between Qat costs and revenues in Somaliland, there is also a wide gap between the expected profits and the actual profits from Qat, according to the study. Surprisingly the findings show a possible reason for the low profits due to the own consumption of Qat sellers from down to dask while some chewers borrow the Qat form the Qat sellers but they hardly show up to repay the debt.

According to the study findings, the average Qat chewer spends 6.9 hours on Qat chewing and more than 70% of the Qat chewers (interviewed in the study) do nothing else during this time. The study concluded that 2,951,544 hours are spent on Qat chewing session per day in Somaliland. It is clear that almost one-third of the Qat chewer’s time is spent on Qat chewing without doing other work, just telling stories and quarelling “ fadhi ku dirir”.

Mr. Noor believes that the productivity of Qat chewer is very low, and more than 80% of them suggested that they would have stopped chewing if they had to work all day.

In his study, Mr. Noor warns of the deep negative impact of Qat on Somaliland’s population as he proves the study’s hypothesis that “Qat has a negative effect on Somaliland”

“Qat has made our teenagers vulnerable to early addiction of Qat and related drugs. It has made our adults and parents less productive than their counterparts in the world” said Mr. Noor.

The study suggests the most appropriate solutions for the negative effect of Qat on Somaliland’s population as simple steps ranging from awareness to legislation. “in order to tackle the problem of Qat in our country, the research recommends that other trading alternatives should be developed, the government should increase the tax on Qat, nationwide awareness campaigns should be carried out, employment opportunities should be created for Qat sellers and chewers and finally, the Somaliland legislatives should develop a clear Qat consumption reduction policy” suggests the study.

“The study is reliable and realistic at large, thoug we cannot rule out the inaccuracies due to the sample or otherwise” says the researcher.

For the full study please contact the researcher, Mr.Jama Ismail Noor, at the following addresses:

E-mail: Jaamacyare11@hotmail.com Mobile: +252 2 4435848.

2011: SOMALILAND IN FOCUS

Let me start with ‘happy new year’. It has been just yesterday when I thought of to start a yearly article - Somaliland in focus - shedding light on the real situation on the ground and the opportunities/threats ahead. However, I am very happy that many of our last year’s dreams have come true.

Here comes a great year again- 2011, with my people and beloved country looking forward to reach the stars and have a brighter future ahead.

On one hand I am convinced that that 2010 was the best year for Somaliland so far when I look back and see the democratic elections and the peaceful transfer of power which is rarely seen in Africa and the whole third world countries. On the other hand, I am somehow skeptic about a valuable time and energy we have lost on unhealthy political disagreements and millions of hours we have wasted on QAT chewing.
In the eve of the new year, 2011, which I wasn’t sure if I could witness, Somaliland is on its way to progress and prosperity if and only if we, the people, take the responsibility to develop our country on our own shoulders. The new government is also expected to make us focused and lead us to clear and precise objectives/goals to achieve.

At the beginning of the new year there were two largely welcomed news from the new government. Despite the fact that there are huge economic challenges still hindering the world markets, leading to countries over the world form Austria to Australia, from Washington to Warso from Kapetown to Kazapalanka, to cut their budgets, reduce the pay rate and squeeze their spending, Somaliland has set the record for the new year when President Silanyo’s government announced a 100% increase of salaries for all government employees, including the military and police forces. Furthermore, it was the second best news and relief to thousands of low income families who were struggling to pay their children’s schools fees when they heard that the primary and intermediate schools are free from now.

From the economic point of view, I am confident that the above moves will help our nation to be a better position and the income of our citizens to increase compared to that of the last year. However, we also need to put greater attention and attract on foreign investments to create jobs and develop our poor infrastructure.

In the political aspect, Somaliland is on the verge to be recognized after the historic referendum in South Sudan on 9th Jan, 2011. The result is not yet officially announced but it is widely expected that overwhelming majority will choose SS to be the 54th independent country in Africa. After this complete shift to the so called African excuse that ‘African boundaries can’t be changed’ Somaliland should be the 55th country in Africa. We have to diplomatically stretch our muscles and show that the whole world has interest on us; otherwise all our argument will be turned to deaf ears as it has been for the last 20 years. Having the qualified and experienced Dr. M. Omar, Dr. M. Rashid and the likes as our foreign policy drivers I am absolutely confident that they will grasp the attention of many countries which will eventually lead us to be internationally recognized.

Today, we have to work hard to show our potential and make our ends meet. Similarly, in the long-run, we have to keep in mind that, “Freedom is not something that can be given. Freedom is something people take, and people are as free as they want to be”. Hence we have no reason to close our hands and wait for others to recognize us, but we have to show them concrete reasons to recognize us!

By: Mr. Jama Ismail Noor.
BA in Economics and Management Science (IHU)
MBA cndt in Project Management (Open University of Malaysia)
Hargeisa, Somaliland
E-mail: Jaamacyare11@hotmail.com / qude2002@gmail.com
Web: Jamaqude.blogspot.com

Somaliland: Post-Election Moves & Setbacks

Dear reader, I have been quiet for the last few months to see the direction in which the change-motivated waves take us after Somaliland’s credential, democratic, free and fair elections (according to the international observers).


Today, I feel like taking the pen once again, just to highlight both the positive as well as the negative moves taken by President Siilanyo’s new government since he was sworn as the Somaliland President.

We generally agree that our expectations (including the elected Kulmiye Party’s) were too high to be practically implemented. As the history dictates no change/development can ever be as easy, simple and viable as many of us believed. However, it is still another real-live rule to see any dream/goal achieved if you have your plan, resources and human capital in place.

Coming to the point of my article, the president has started his work by nominating the most qualified and professional cabinet ever made in Somaliland, though same people may criticize from other angles! In reality we have to understand that we need accountable, productive and ‘clean’ ministers who can make a promise and deliver it in the shortest time possible. Names should have no meaning to us, but the end product. No matter who is the fisher if you get the fish!

I strongly believe that we should encourage the fruitful foreign policy actions taken by the new government during the last three and half months, including the recent floods of EU delegates in Somaliland and the fresh two highly welcomed and organized visits to Djibouti and Ethiopia. Honestly we are in a position to exploit our credentials and opportunities. Similarly the new government has greatly achieved it policy and promise to increase the government’s revenue. Government institutions’ reshuffle and the increase in the working hours from 4 to 7 hours was another appreciative step.

However, I won’t cover the fact that the internal security has been relaxed and risks increased since the new government has come to the power. Starting from the ONLF rebels from the western sea-shores to the latest clan-based clashes in the Buhodle, I think the new government has not done enough to take necessary reactions or prepare the proactive policies to tackle such a security threat. Currently the so called SSC seems to be the biggest security threat facing Somaliland in the near future, more than Al-shabab’s. Unfortunately the government seems to be lagging behind to effectively and efficiently study the case and act before it’s too late.

Still another big mistake is neglecting some of the most needy and backward regions in the country as the previous government has been doing for the last eight years. Just to mention one example, there has not been a single project implemented in Sanaag region during the first-100 days. Even it has not been mentioned in the plan at first! The only secondary school has been closed twice since July due to lack of teachers and management problem and no enough has been done yet. 95% of the people are unemployed and the government institutions are almost negligible! May be the new cabinet has never been there and believe it is just another part of Puntland! The eastern regions (Sanaag and Sool) should have to be the priority to at least reach a standard close to the other four regions’.

Lastly, I hope that the new government will do more for the next few months and years, and we have to give them the chance. Nevertheless, we will point out its weaknesses so that it can learn from the past mistakes and take the public’s advice. A characteristic to a democratic, transparent and accountable government!

By: Mr. Jama Ismail Noor,
BA in Economics and Management Science (IHU)
MBA cndt in Project Management (Open University of Malaysia)
Hargeisa, Somaliland
E-mail: Jaamacyare11@hotmail.com / qude2002@gmail.com
Web: Jamaqude.blogspot.com

Somaliland In Focus: 2010 and the economy

In my previous article I have discussed about the current political issues in the country. However today, I would like to give you an overview about Somaliland’s limited economy, our expectations in 2010 and areas we have to improve to achieve economic growth – this is my view.

Clearly every year has its ups and downs and 2010 is no exception. It is our economy that we need to reshape and regulate more than any other sector, from what I have observed as an undergraduate economist. We need to make use of the little we have, which I think would have taken us so far if we plan carefully. Though at the same time we had many challenges that hindered our economic development for the last decade or so.

The worst challenge was Saudi Arabia’s sanction on our livestock. Fortunately, that is over now as the sanction is lifted after 11-years. Thus we need to be cautious about our economy’s backbone market and try to avoid them getting any excuse to ban our livestock again. This includes inspecting all ships that are to carry out livestock to the Arabian Kingdom, because it is possible someone could sabotage us by loading sick animals on the ship prior to it’s arrival then mixing it with our animals.

This will create cross-contamination, we need to clearly mark all our animals, keep proper data, before loading them on the ship, send all data including the weight of all animals to Saudi Arabia, so this way if someone tamped with our animals, we can just look back at the record on certain animal in question including it’s weight. If the data is wrong then we know it came from else where.

We need to do every thing to protect our market, there are a lot of people who would be more than happy to see the sanction being imposed on Somaliland. We have to be vigilant.

The second greatest source of our economy is the remittance money from our kind and helpful Somalilanders in abroad. According to last year’s statistics, from Money transfer agencies, this money has reduced as a result of the global economic crises which has hardly hit the western countries where most of it used to flow from.

So it is time for us to change our mind and think of more reliable and sustainable sources of income. You will feel uncomfortable when you see more than 70% of our families are dependent on abroad for survival.

I would like to argue the Diaspora to think again. What if they help the family start a small business for living? This will not only relief the Diaspora, but also help the family members to be self-employed. Imagine a 35 year old person who has never done any work! Of course, waiting for others to feed.

A Chinese proverb says “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime”. To put it more simply I think that we will learn from experience and plan for tomorrow, not only for today.

Another sector where we are very much behind is the agriculture, we have fertile soil, water can be found but we never consider mass producing our own food, except very few individuals. We need to become food self-sufficient. We need to call on people to utilise the available resources to achieve the common objective in agriculture because we have seen how badly we have been knocked by the global food crises in the last two years.

To go bit far, for the last few years we have witnessed impressive development in the private sector economy in our country. However, the only problem one can point is that it is unregulated, unplanned and unbalanced growth. You will see overcrowding in some sectors (i.e. telecommunication), while more profitable and urgently needed sectors are ignored.

We should not also forget to remind ourselves that we have to encourage our small industries to grow. How? Individuals should buy the local products; the government should restrict imports on domestically produced goods.

Recently, I was comparing the locally produced soft drinks with that from international major firms. During my observation I have discovered that they are similar in price, the public consumes more of the foreign drinks, though the domestic one might be better of quality! So we need to be more realistic, the locally produced products should be cheaper.

Here comes again another touching phenomenon. Hey Somalilanders! in the second decade of the 21st century we need not to be the most corrupted country in the world and yet wait to develop and recognition. Putting it more simply there has to be transparency and accountability, in every activity we are doing, be it government and public. Opportunities to do so should be sought out and taken advantage of wherever and whenever possible.

To conclude, economically we need to be creative, make use of opportunities and plan ahead. Otherwise “if we fail to plan we plan to fail”. We have to prepare today to afford the improvements of tomorrow. Our budget should be more of a development-centred.

You only have to check our 45 million budget for last year, just to see that there is no single percent for development! I hope that in 2010, we will be able to improve these and many other areas which I didn’t mention here, either for my short-sightedness or otherwise.

Jama Ismail Noor,
Senior Student
International Horn University
Jaamacyare11@hotmail.com

Hargeisa – Somaliland, January 10 2010

2010: SOMALILAND IN FOCUS! Part 1:

As the new year and the new decade commences, we have countless expectations here in Somaliland. To mentions only few, international recognition, better life, economic development, and most importantly, we are impatient to get free and fair elections done.

In this article I will be highlighting the major actions we need to take, emphasizing the threats and opportunities we are facing in a long-ignored corner of the continent-Arica. I will be focusing on three major areas: Political, Economical and social sides.

Politics:

To begin with we have been through an extremely challenging year, 2009, where the political unrest was a common phenomenon, the worst in 15 years. Thanks to God, we have settled now. In 2010, we are expecting four major elections: the presidential, the local governments and two parliamentary elections (both Elders and Representatives). Thus this will be a tough year and we need to work harder to achieve them all. In one hand, it seems to be impossible to accomplish because we couldn’t held only one election in two years. But on the other hand, it is very much likely that we can attain- considering the recent agreement between the political parities and the dedication of the newly elected Electoral Commission. And all we can say is to be optimistic and hope for the best because “The essence of optimism is that it takes no account of the present, but it is a source of inspiration, of vitality and hope where others have resigned; it enables a man to hold his head high, to claim the future for himself and not to abandon it to his enemy”. Let me also argue the stakeholders to speed up their efforts to take us out of the doubt.

Similarly, we are waiting the world to look as more closely then before, we have been disregarded for two decades and I believe we have to be taken more seriously at this very year. The first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is “the right of self determination”, which states that “All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development”. So we did! Why don’t they accept?!

To reaching our goals, we need to strengthen our system of governance, security and foreign policy, and that is what we need to place on the top of our agenda in the new year. Knowing that many countries will come as they admire our unilateral determination and dedication, there is no reason to retreat but move forward.

Lastly, we live in a hostile Horn, where new ways of extremism threaten our existence, meaning we have to be more careful than ever before and make use of the past experiences. Let us all remember that, as Mandella once said, “There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere”.

Long life Somaliland,
Thanks for reading………. The other parts are coming soon.

Jama Ismail Noor,
Senior Student
International Horn University,
Hargeisa- Somaliland
Jaamacyare11@hotmail.com

Economic Development- The Islamic Perspective

Economic development is one of the very important for the Islam, as they have to compete with their counter-parts in the world. However Islam does not encourage the unlimited and uncontrolled means of economic growth in the conventional economics. Thus, in this short article I would like to highlight the main ideas of economic development based on the Islamic perspective, according to Shari’ah.

In Islam, the concept of development centers around two broad aspects of its belief system - the Divine and the human- as also the relationship between them. It takes life as a whole and as part of its unitary view of the universe- it does not consider the material and moral aspects of the human existence as isolation of one from the other. The Islamic position of is that man was created to as the vicegerent, the trust keeper and the co-worker of God on the earth (2:29, 6:165, 8:27).

Islam is meant to serve the Devine Purpose of creation. Naturally, its attitude towards numerous methods concerning development- property rights, consumption and production patters, financial arrangements, income distribution, etc are much different from that of other socio-economic systems.


The philosophical foundation of Islamic approach to development are:

1. Tawhid: Allah’s unity and sovereignty
2. Rububiyah: divine arrangement for nourishment, sustenance and directing thing towards their perfection.
3. Khilafah: man’s role as Allah’s vicegerent on earth (trustees)
4. Tazkiyah: purification plus growth

The essential elements on the Islamic concepts of development are:

• It has a comprehensive character in the sense that it includes moral, spiritual and material aspects.
• The focus of development is man: development of man and his physical and socio-cultural development.
• Optimal utilization of resources and physical environment, their physical environment, their equitable use and distribution, and promotion of all the human relationship on the basis of Right and Justice.

Therefore, immense commitment of Islam to brotherhood and justice makes Falah (true well-being) of all human beings the principal goal of Islamic. Furthermore, moral development is a condition for economic development, not only material development. This is completely the opposite of the material and wealth driven capitalist economic development which takes no account to the moral development of the humans.

Islam does not allow economic development through illegal and prohibited ways in Shari’ah. These include: Riba (interest), Gharar (excessive uncertainty) and Maysir (gambling).

We can summarize the economic development in the Islamic Perspective as follows. Economic development will be taking place if and only if the following five conditions are satisfied along with an increase in the level of economic activity:

1. No one is left with his fundamental economic rights unfulfilled.
2. The economy’s moral, social and institutional fabric does not weaken.
3. Economic growth is combined by either constant distribution of income or a reduction in economic inequality in favour of the poorest.
4. The society does not deviate from its original Divine mandate.
5. The society maintains a credible deterrent against external aggression, keeping base with the ever-changing times.

Islamic economic system has clear objectives which are aiming for wide-range economic development. There are also Islamic modes of finance which are unique to Islam, where Adalah (justice) to all parties is maintained. Some of these modes of financing which promote the economic development in Islam include: Musharakah (partnership), Murabaha (cost-plus-profit sale), mudarabah (one finances and the other manages), Salam (sale on goods delivered in the future), Ijarah (lease) etc. All these method are based on profit-loss-sharing for the parties involved so that no one is exploited, and there is an equal distribution of wealth.

Islam also calls for the Muslims to pay Zakat and Sadaka, in order to distribute the income and wealth. Islam discourages concentration of wealth in few hands and ensures its circulation among all the sections of society. Al-Qur’an, the revealed book of Islam, says: “That which Allah giveth as spoil unto His messenger from the people of the townships, it is for Allah and His messenger and for the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, that it become not a commodity between the rich among you.” (Al-Hashr 59:7). Our prophet (PBUH) has also encouraged us to work hard for the well-being of all the members of society and give alms to others.

Lastly, the Islamic government should be also committed to economic development and save-guard the well-being of all, according to the Islamic principles.

Islam also expedites the social drive toward production in its religious regulations. Under the Islamic economic system, earning is exclusively linked to working. All other means of earning and owner¬ship are abolished. The possession of natural resources is not considered legitimate without continuous human efforts to develop it. Any type of earning that does not require any human labour, in commerce as well as in production, is forbidden. For this reason, the use of financial capital to generate earning is abolished The only legitimate way to make use of capital is to invest it in production and share the risk of profit and loss. To insure the utilization of capital in economic develop¬ment, Islam strongly forbids the hoarding of money and initiates a yearly tax to downgrade any wealth that is not enrolled in the produc¬tion process. Additionally, any type of useless economic activities, such as gaming, magic and jugglery, are forbidden in Islam.

Furthermore, Islam makes it a requirement for Muslims to explore all fields of knowledge and seek any efficient means of production in order to utilize to maximum benefit the natural resources of the environment. The economic strength of Muslims is analogous to their military strength. The power of the Islamic State is judged on the merit of its economic progress and social prosperity. For this reason, Islam places a heavy emphasis on the role of political leadership to regulate social economic activities to enhance economic development and eliminate waste.