Despite initial momentum, progress slowed temporarily due to competing professional commitments of the founding members. However, in 2014, the initiative was revitalized through broader engagement with Somali accountants both locally and in the diaspora. This period also coincided with growing interest in professional qualifications such as ACCA, signaling renewed demand for a structured accountancy profession in Somalia.

By 2015, SICPA, with support from IFAC and PAFA, began drafting the Accountants Bill, laying the legal foundation for the Institute. Institutional development continued in 2017 with the appointment of an interim management team, including a Chief Executive Officer, Director of Administration, and Director of Membership. This team led membership mobilization efforts and successfully registered a significant number of students pursuing professional accountancy qualifications.

Between 2018 and 2020, SICPA strengthened its engagement with key government institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Auditor General, the Central Bank, and the Office of the Accountant General. During this period, SICPA also deepened its relationships with international and regional partners, re-drafted the Accountants Bill to align with the Somali context, translated it into Somali, and shared it with stakeholders, including the World Bank. Additionally, the Institute developed its digital presence, including a website and a professional database for accountants.

A critical milestone was reached in 2020, when the Ministry of Finance formally submitted the Accountants Bill to the Attorney General for legal review, following high-level engagement with government leadership.

In September 2021, SICPA transitioned into a new phase of leadership, with the election and appointment of a new governing team. Chairman was elected Abdullahi Tahlil and Chief Executive Officer was appointed Burhan Salah. This leadership intensified advocacy efforts, strengthened collaboration with the Office of the Auditor General, and advanced institutional visibility and credibility at both national and regional levels.

SICPA’s outreach and professional development activities expanded significantly between 2021 and 2024. The Institute conducted nationwide membership drives, engaged with regional professional bodies, and hosted its first Annual Conference in June 2022, bringing together over 200 participants from the public and private sectors. High-level government officials participated, demonstrating strong national support for the Institute’s mandate.

During this period, SICPA also strengthened its regional and international presence. On 24 November 2024, the Institute achieved Associate Membership with the Pan African Federation of Accountants, marking a significant milestone toward global recognition. SICPA actively participated in high-level professional forums, including the 8th Africa Congress of Accountants (ACOA) held in Kigali, as well as the 4th and 5th East Africa Congress of Accountants (EACOA). These engagements provided a platform to exchange knowledge, benchmark against international best practices, and position Somalia within the regional accountancy landscape. In parallel, SICPA held strategic meetings with key stakeholders, including the leadership of the International Federation of Accountants, the Chief Executive Officer of PAFA, and various regulatory bodies, reinforcing its commitment to collaboration and alignment with global standards.

Parliamentary Process and Enactment of the Accountants Act

The legislative journey of the Accountants Bill reflects a rigorous and consultative process within Somalia’s governance framework. Following Cabinet approval in January 2023, the Bill was formally submitted to the Federal Parliament for consideration.

The Bill underwent the First Reading on 10 June 2023, where it was introduced to Members of Parliament and its general principles were presented. This stage marked the formal entry of the Bill into the legislative process and allowed for initial observations and referral to the relevant parliamentary committees.

Subsequently, the Bill progressed to the Second Reading, where detailed scrutiny and debate took place. Parliamentary committees reviewed the provisions of the Bill, considered stakeholder inputs, and ensured alignment with Somalia’s legal and institutional framework. Amendments and refinements were made during this stage to strengthen the Bill’s technical and regulatory provisions.

The Third Reading, held on 10 February 2024, culminated in the unanimous approval by the Lower House of Parliament, demonstrating strong political support for the establishment of a professional accountancy body. Following this, the Bill was transmitted to the Upper House (Senate) for further consideration.

The Senate undertook its own legislative review process, including readings and deliberations, and subsequently approved the Bill on 31 July 2024. The Bill was then forwarded for presidential assent. Following further consultations, the President recommended specific refinements to enhance the legal robustness of the Act. These revisions were incorporated and re-approved by both Houses of Parliament in December 2025.

The legislative process was successfully concluded when the President signed the Accountants Act into law on 10 January 2026, after which it was officially gazetted. This marked the formal legal establishment of SICPA as a statutory body mandated to regulate and develop the accountancy profession in Somalia.

Conclusion

Today, SICPA stands as the legally recognized national professional accountancy organization in Somalia. Its journey reflects resilience, collaboration, and sustained commitment to strengthening the profession. With a solid legal foundation now in place, the Institute is focused on building robust regulatory frameworks, developing professional education systems, expanding membership, and aligning with international standards to enhance credibility, sustainability, and global recognition.