In a landmark moment for Somali economic leadership, the Federal Government of Somalia’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Biixi Imaan Cige, has been crowned Africa’s Best Finance Minister for 2025 at a distinguished international awards ceremony held in London.
The accolade, awarded by a global panel of financial experts and policymakers, celebrates Minister Biixi’s exceptional stewardship of Somalia’s fiscal architecture and his transformative impact on the nation’s economic trajectory. His tenure over the past two years has been marked by a string of notable milestones, positioning Somalia as a beacon of reform and responsible governance on the African continent.
Among the most lauded achievements under Minister Biixi’s leadership are:
- The attainment of historic debt relief in 2023 through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, marking a pivotal turning point in Somalia’s financial rehabilitation;
- A comprehensive overhaul of the domestic revenue system, resulting in a marked increase in government revenues and a reduction in dependency on external borrowing;
- The implementation of prudent post-debt relief fiscal policies, enabling Somalia to avoid re-accumulating unsustainable debt while successfully leveraging international grants to finance development priorities.
These reforms have elevated Somalia’s stature as a regional exemplar of economic discipline and innovation, sparking admiration and emulation from peer nations across Africa.
In his acceptance address, Minister Biixi struck a tone of humility and national pride:
“This award is not solely mine—it belongs to the resilient people of Somalia. Their unwavering spirit and belief in our nation’s recovery are the true drivers of our progress. I extend my deepest gratitude to Somali entrepreneurs, whose bravery and investment in rebuilding our country, against all odds, continue to light the way forward.”
He further reiterated the Somali government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing transparency, fostering institutional accountability, and deepening partnerships with international development allies.
This global recognition underscores not only Minister Biixi’s visionary leadership, but also Somalia’s broader determination to reclaim its economic future, rebuild public trust, and lay the groundwork for inclusive, long-term prosperity.
