May 24-25, 2026Hargeisa, Somaliland

SOMALILANDACCOUNTING & FINANCE SUMMIT 2026

Driving Professional Excellence and Economic Growth through Financial Integrity.

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Inaugural ICPAS Accounting and Finance Summit 2026

The Inaugural ICPAS Accounting and Finance Summit 2026 marks a historic milestone for the accounting and finance profession in Somaliland.

This first national summit, convened by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Somaliland (ICPAS) , will establish a permanent, evidence-based platform for dialogue on accounting, finance, taxation, and public financial management. The Summit is designed not as a one-off event, but as the foundation of a recurring national professional forum that will shape policy, practice, and professional development in the years ahead.

Research-Driven Summit

Each major Summit panel will be grounded in original research conducted before the event,including:

National SME Accounting Practices & Access to Finance Survey
University Accounting Graduates Supply Survey
Accounting Graduates Transition-to-Work Survey
Tax Compliance and Tax Evasion Determinants Study

500+

Delegates Expected

The International Dimension

The Inaugural ICPAS Accounting and Finance Summit 2026 will have a strong international dimension, hosting delegates and professional representatives from Rwanda, Kenya, and Taiwan.

International participants will contribute to a dedicated comparative panel, where experiences from their jurisdictions will be discussed in relation to Somaliland’s research findings. This approach ensures that international perspectives inform and enrich national dialogue, while keeping discussions evidence-based and policy-relevant.

The Summit will therefore combine local evidence with global experience, reinforcing ICPAS’s commitment to international best practice adapted to local context.

Global Expertise

Hosting delegates and professional representatives from Rwanda, Kenya, and Taiwan to share diverse perspectives.

Comparative Panels

Dedicated sessions discussing international experiences in relation to Somaliland’s research findings.

Knowledge Exchange

Ensuring international perspectives inform national dialogue while keeping discussions evidence-based.

Best Practice

Reinforcing ICPAS’s commitment to international best practice adapted to the local context.

Keynote Speakers

Learn from the visionaries shaping the future of the industry.

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Dr.Mustafa Ali

Chief Economist

Global Finance

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Abdirahman Warsame

CEO

Equity Holdings

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Fahad Mohammed

Director of Audit

National Treasury

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Aisha Jama

AI Ethics Specialist

TechForensics

Summit Themes

Exploring the critical pillars shaping the future of finance in Somaliland.

Theme 1: Accounting for SMEs and Private Sector Development

Panel Discussion

Panel 1: Accounting Practices among SMEs in Somaliland

Research Basis: National SME Accounting Practices Survey

Do SMEs employ accountants, and in what capacity?
Accounting systems used by SMEs (manual vs digital)
Quality and reliability of SME financial records
Compliance, reporting, and decision-making challenges
Beyond Compliance – How Accountants Support SME Growth

"“STRONG ACCOUNTING PRACTICES ARE FOUNDATIONAL FOR SME SUSTAINABILITY, GROWTH, AND FORMALISATION AND FOR SOMALILAND ECONOMY”"

Theme 1: Accounting for SMEs and Private Sector Development

Panel Discussion

Panel 2: Access to Finance for SMEs – The Role of Accounting Professionals

Research Basis: National SME Accounting Practices Survey

Barriers to SME access to bank and non-bank finance
Use of financial statements and audits in lending decisions
How accountants improve SME bankability
Practical reforms to strengthen financial inclusion

"ACCESS TO FINANCE REMAINS ONE OF THE BIGGEST CONSTRAINTS TO SME GROWTH IN SOMALILAND."

Theme 1: Accounting for SMEs and Private Sector Development

Panel Discussion

Panel 3: Driving Sustainable Growth in SMEs with AI, Fintech & Technology

Research Basis: National SME Accounting Practices Survey

How SMEs can leverage artificial intelligence, fintech and new technology
How SMEs can upskill their current workforce to stay competitive
Data protection and cybersecurity concerns technology.

"NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL FRONTIER: LEVERAGING AI AND FINTECH TO SCALE SME GROWTH."

Theme 2: Education, Skills, and the Future Accounting Workforce

Panel Discussion

Panel 4: The Accounting Talent Pipeline – From Education to Employment

Research Basis: University Accounting Graduates Supply Survey & Transition-to-Work Survey

Trends in accounting graduate output
Curriculum relevance and practical exposure
Alignment with professional standards
Strengthening university–profession collaboration
Skills gaps faced by new graduates

"A STRONG PROFESSION STARTS WITH A WELL-ALIGNED EDUCATION PIPELINE."

Theme 2: Education, Skills, and the Future Accounting Workforce

Panel Discussion

Panel 5: Accounting Language, Professional Identity, and National Development

Research Basis: Accounting Terminology in Somali Language (Inaugural Edition)

Launching and presenting selected translated terms
Why accounting language matters
The risks of poor translation and inconsistency
ICPAS as the custodian of professional terminology

"LAUNCHING ACCOUNTING TERMINOLOGY IN SOMALI LANGUAGE (INAUGURAL EDITION)”."

Theme 3: Public Financial Management and Accountability

Panel Discussion

Panel 6: Tax Compliance and Tax Evasion in Somaliland & The Role of Accountants

Research Basis: Tax Compliance and Tax Evasion Determinants Study

Why do taxpayers comply or evade
Perceptions of fairness, enforcement, and penalties
Cost of compliance and administrative burden
Role of accounting records and professional advice
Role of Accountants in Improving Tax Compliance

"DOMESTIC REVENUE MOBILISATION IS CRITICAL FOR FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY.”"

Theme 3: Public Financial Management and Accountability

Panel Discussion

Panel 7: Public Financial Management Reforms in Somaliland

Research Basis: Public Financial Management (PFM) Diagnostic Note

Somaliland’s achievements in PFM reform
Budget credibility and execution
Financial reporting and transparency
Internal controls and accountability
Priority reform areas

"STRONG PFM SYSTEMS UNDERPIN TRUST IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS."

Theme 3: Public Financial Management and Accountability

Panel Discussion

Panel 8: Audit, Oversight, and Accountability Institutions

Research Basis: Public Financial Management (PFM) Diagnostic Note

Role of external and internal audit
Oversight institutions and standards
Professional capacity gaps
Strengthening accountability frameworks

"AUDIT AND OVERSIGHT ARE ESSENTIAL FOR EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE"

Theme 4: International Perspectives and Comparative Lessons

Panel Discussion

Panel 9: Comparative Experiences in Professional Accounting and Financial Governance

Research Basis: International Perspectives from Rwanda, Kenya, and Taiwan

SME accounting and access to finance: what worked, what didn’t in guests’ countries
Professional regulation and certification pathways
Role of accountants in tax compliance and PFM reforms
Digitalization and institutional strengthening
Lessons relevant to fragile and emerging economies