Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Ministry of Planning and National Development hosted a high-profile event in Hargeisa to celebrate African Statistics Day, underscoring the critical role of reliable data in steering the nation’s development. The occasion, observed annually on November 18th, is formally recognized in Somaliland as National Statistics Day.
The ceremony brought together cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, directors-general, and representatives from international organizations, universities, and national data agencies, highlighting a unified commitment to strengthening the country’s statistical ecosystem.
In her opening address, the Minister of Planning and National Development, Hon. Kaltun Sheikh Hassan Abdi, declared accurate and independent data the cornerstone of effective governance and sustainable progress.
“Somaliland is a self-reliant nation that independently collects, stores, and transparently utilizes its own data to guide our development and present evidence-based facts to the world,” Minister Kaltun stated. She emphasized that meaningful development is impossible without comprehensive data spanning health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and the economy.
The Minister stressed the necessity of region-specific data to ensure efficient resource allocation. “To achieve real development in any region, you must first have accurate data showing whether that area needs better roads, agricultural support, or other interventions. Without data, we waste both time and resources,” she explained.
Senior officials, including Director-General Mohamed Said Mahmoud and Statistics Director Khadar Mohamed Gahayr, reinforced how quality data is fundamental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving public services.
The event featured presentations of new data systems and publications from several key ministries, including:
· The Ministry of Health, which showcased its Health Management Information System (HMIS).
· The Ministry of Education, which presented its Education Management Information System (EMIS).
· The Ministries of Finance and Planning, which shared the latest economic and household welfare reports.
Participants unanimously agreed on the need to strengthen national statistical systems and enhance inter-agency collaboration to support evidence-based policymaking.
This year’s celebration served to demonstrate Somaliland’s growing data capacity and reaffirm its readiness to engage with African and international statistical communities as an equal partner. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all government institutions and partners to continue developing Somaliland’s independent national statistics ecosystem.
