NewsJun 20264 min readBorama, Awdal — Somaliland

EAST trains 35 Borama Local Government staff on revenue management and digital transformation

A three-day capacity-building workshop with the Taxation Department of Borama District strengthened own-source revenue practices, financial management, and the use of digital tools for transparent service delivery.

EAST Communications

Participants and EAST facilitators at the close of the Borama Local Government revenue-management training

EAST – Elite Advisory Services Team delivered an important training for staff of Borama District Local Government, particularly employees from the Taxation Department. The training benefited 35 participants and strengthened their knowledge of local revenue management, workplace efficiency, municipal service delivery, and the use of digital solutions.

Why revenue management matters

The training focused on the importance of effective revenue management as a key foundation for improving public services, promoting local economic growth, strengthening public trust, and ensuring good governance, transparency, and accountability. Participants discussed how efficient revenue collection helps the Local Government finance local infrastructure, public services, community development, and priority plans for the district.

Going digital — and what it unlocks

The training also emphasized the benefits of digital transformation, including increased revenue collection, improved financial management, easier payment processes, reduced errors and corruption risks, better service delivery, and stronger citizen engagement.

Tackling the real constraints

Key challenges commonly faced by local governments were highlighted, including inefficient revenue collection systems, limited financial resources, and weak transparency and accountability. Staff were encouraged to use digital solutions, accurate data, modern registration systems, and dashboards to support evidence-based decision-making, increase revenue, and improve public services.

Organized by the Taxation Department

The training was organized by Mr. Ahmednur, Director of the Taxation Department of Borama District Local Government, demonstrating the department's commitment to improving revenue collection, strengthening staff capacity, and modernizing work systems.

A partnership for the long run

Speaking on behalf of EAST, Mr. Ahmedi Yusuf, Head of EAST – Elite Advisory Services Team, expressed appreciation to Borama Local Government for their collaboration and support in organizing the training. He noted the training is expected to bring practical benefits to the staff and contribute to future improvements in revenue management, service delivery, and institutional performance. He also emphasized that EAST is committed to collaborating with districts across Somaliland in its areas of expertise — particularly municipal revenue enhancement, digital transformation, public financial management, capacity building, and local government service improvement.

Finally, the training was officially closed by Mr. Ahmednur, Director of the Taxation Department, who provided guidance and encouragement to the staff. He urged them to carry out their duties responsibly and to strengthen efficiency, transparency, and the services they provide to the community.

This training is part of EAST's ongoing efforts to support Borama Local Government in strengthening own-source revenue, financial management, modern service delivery, digital transformation, and staff capacity building.

“EAST is committed to collaborating with districts across Somaliland in municipal revenue enhancement, digital transformation, public financial management, capacity building, and local government service improvement.”

— Mr. Ahmedi Yusuf, Head of EAST – Elite Advisory Services Team

From the Field

Moments from the engagement

9 photos

Group photo of all training participants and EAST facilitators at the Borama venue — 35 participants from the Taxation Department joined the three-day workshop.

Mr. Ahmedi Yusuf walks participants through a GIS revenue map of Borama — Walking through a GIS revenue map of Borama district.

Facilitator demonstrating a property and revenue dashboard during the training — Live demo of a property and revenue dashboard.

Session on the main services provided by the local governments of Borama — Session: main services delivered by Borama Local Government.

Borama Taxation Department staff listening attentively during the workshop — Engaged participants during a working session.

Mr. Ahmednur, Director of the Taxation Department of Borama District — Mr. Ahmednur — Director, Taxation Department, Borama District.

Wide view of the Borama training hall with participants and facilitator — Inside the workshop hall — 35 participants from the Taxation Department.

Front row of Borama Taxation Department staff during the workshop — Front-row engagement throughout the sessions.

Participant seated beside the Somaliland flag during a training session — A moment of reflection between sessions.

Key Takeaways

0135 Taxation Department staff trained on own-source revenue and digital service delivery.
02Digital tools cut errors and corruption risk while improving citizen experience.
03Dashboards and accurate data are essential for evidence-based decisions on revenue and services.
04Strong partnership signal between EAST and Borama Local Government for continued reform.