Credit Information Sharing Somaliland

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A significant portion of the Somali population relies on remittances, estimated at $1.2 billion annually, which constitutes about one-third of the country's GDP and surpasses aid and foreign direct investment combined. Domestic credit to the Somaliland’s economy heavily relies on remittances, which account for $1.3 billion annually (37% of GDP) and serve as a vital income source for up to 50% of the population, surpassing aid and foreign direct investment combined. Despite strides in digitization, with 70% of adults using e-money daily, access to credit remains limited, with domestic credit to the private sector at just 3.2% of GDP. MSMEs face significant barriers due to lack of collateral, formal records, and financial tools, while the financial sector struggles with inadequate credit information-sharing systems and reliance on informal processes. However, the widespread use of mobile money and remittance data presents an opportunity to develop innovative, data-driven solutions to address information asymmetry, enhance credit underwriting, and expand financial inclusion for underserved segments. This project aims to support the Bank of Somaliland in establishing a credit infrastructure ecosystem [that is, Credit Information System (CIS) and a Secured Transactions and Collateral Registry (STCR)], enhancing the legal and regulatory framework, and building stakeholder capacity. It will explore alternative data for credit decision-making and portfolio monitoring, contributing to a more robust financial sector, greater access to credit, and economic growth in Somaliland.