MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – The Somali government is seeking to increase inland revenue, a move aiming at creating jobs for infrastructure development, and expand social protection for its citizens.
Abdirahman Beileh, Minister of Finance said the government is seeking to be self-sufficient, a key step toward accessing about $4.6 billion in international debt relief.
“We must work together to rebuild every corner of our country for the benefit of each and every citizen in Somalia,” said Beileh.
Somalia has not made a service or amortization payment since civil war broke out more than 25 years ago.
This year, the government launched a tax collection campaign as part of efforts to secure millions of dollars in domestic revenues to subsidised its donor-supported budget.
According to the Ministry, the domestic revenue was up to $141 million in 2017 from $110 million in 2016 as some progress was made last year to improve the revenue.
The tax agreements have been reached with airlines and telecom companies, and an income tax exemption for parliamentarians has been reversed last year, giving the government more revenue.
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