MOGADISHU (SBA)-:Somali Bankers Association on Monday, April 3 ,2023, held its second-largest annual iftar, converging together the industry’s leading financial institutions after an iftar banquet that took place in Mogadishu’s Jazeera Hotel.

The event was attended by top Gov’t officials including Somalia deputy PM Salah Jama, finance minister Dr. Elmi M. Nor, planning minister Mohamoud A. Beene Beene , Commerce minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji , CBS governor, Chamber of Commerce leaders, SBA member Banks CEO’s ,senior bankers and top financial experts.

In his opening remarks, SBA Chairman Ahmed Shirwac said this year’s banquet is sponsored by Dahabshil Bank and is aimed at creating collaborative-based spaces between the Banks and government institutions.

“It’s often described that our relations are not closer, but I want to remind you that we are at peace with the Gov’t ‘The chairman said in his short speech.

SBA CEO Yasin M.Ibar said that the core principle of SBA is to cater to and advocate for the interests of the licensed member Banks by collaborating and working with the concerned gov’t institutions.

“This event was held to create a platform for both SBA and policymakers, whom we have at tonight’s iftar. We expect them to listen to industry concerns as well as developmental initiatives “The CEO said.

“As we are fully-fledged Sharia complaint Banks, we often promote regulatory procedures and laws that are necessary for the industry growth including the Islamic Banking Act which is not yet been ratified, we urge the policymakers to consider accelerating it robustly. “ he said.

In his closing remarks, Somalia Deputy PM Salah Jama applauded local Bank’s never-ceasing determinations of creating jobs and improving the lives of Somali People.

For the past few years, SBA has been hosting conferences and events with the aim of providing a platform for deep engagement on issues meant to entrench the banking industry and the overall country’s economic development. 

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