Dr. Saad Ali Shire Naleye (Somali: Dr. Sacad Cali Shire Naaleeye) is a British-Somaliland politician, agronomist, and economist. He served as the Minister of Finance of Somaliland from 10 November 2018 to 13 November 2024. Previously, he served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (October 2015 – November 2018) and as the Minister of Planning and National Development (July 2010 – October 2015).
Early Life and Education
Shire was born in Burao, British Somaliland (present-day Somaliland). He studied agriculture at Somali National University in Mogadishu, then earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Havana in Cuba. He subsequently attended Pennsylvania State University in the United States, where he completed a master's degree and a PhD in agricultural economics. He also holds a postgraduate diploma in Islamic banking and is an IMC member of the Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) Society of the UK.
Career
Early Career
Before entering politics, Shire served as the managing director for UK and Europe of Dahabshiil Transfer Services Limited, a money service company. He previously held senior positions in the community development sector, lectured at the College of Agriculture at Somali National University, and worked for the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). He also worked at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Minister of Planning (2010–2015)
On 28 July 2010, following the Kulmiye party's victory in the 2010 presidential election, President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud (Silanyo) appointed Shire as Minister of Planning and National Development, a position he held until 2015.
Minister of Foreign Affairs (2015–2018)
After the resignation of his predecessor Mohamed Yonis, Shire was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in October 2015. He was one of the few ministers retained after the 2017 presidential election, which Muse Bihi Abdi won.
Minister of Finance (2018–2024)
Shire was appointed Minister of Finance (formally Minister of Financial Development) by President Muse Bihi Abdi in November 2018 during the first cabinet reshuffle. He served in this role until November 2024.
Committee Assignments
During his tenure as minister, Shire served on numerous committees, including the National Planning Commission, the Somaliland Development Fund Joint Steering Committee, the Somaliland Business Fund Grant Advisory Panel, the Civil Service Reform Committee, the Public Finance Reform Committee, the Budget Policy Committee, the Private Sector Reform Committee, the Land Policy Reform Committee, the Berbera Port/Corridor Development Committee, the Board of the University of Hargeisa, and the Board of the Berbera Maritime and Fisheries Academy.
Other Roles
Shire is a founder member of several academic institutions and professional associations, including the University of Hargeisa, the University of Burao, the Somaliland Society of Agriculture, the Somaliland Economics Association, the Somaliland Statistics Association, and the Somaliland Society of the UK. He also serves as a board member of the Abaarso Network.
Personal Life
Shire is a member of the Peace, Unity, and Development Party (Kulmiye). He holds dual Somaliland and British citizenship and has three children.
