Ali Haji Warsame is a distinguished executive, certified professional, and former Minister of Education/Higher Education of Puntland State of Somalia. With extensive expertise in accounting, auditing, and public finance management, he is a highly motivated and results-driven leader. He holds full membership in prestigious professional bodies, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), and Certified Accounting Technician (CAT).
Political Career and Leadership
Ali Haji Warsame is a respected political figure who contested the Presidency of Puntland State of Somalia in January 2014. In a highly competitive election, he emerged as a leading candidate, earning the trust and respect of his peers. His opponents, recognizing his leadership qualities, appointed him as their spokesperson to address contentious election issues and disputes with the incumbent President, Abdirahman Faroole. His adept conflict resolution skills were instrumental in ensuring a peaceful and democratic transition of power on January 8, 2014, averting potential election violence. Through this process, he garnered widespread support and confidence from the people of Puntland.
Family Background
Ali Haji Warsame hails from a prominent and respected family in Somalia. His father, the late Haji Warsame Ahmed Gurey Jowjowle, was a renowned jurist, judge, religious leader, thinker, community activist, and politician who actively contributed to Somalia’s independence struggle in the 1940s and 1950s. His mother, Lady Aisha Haji Mohamud Omar Siigacade, is from the Sool Region and is the niece of the late Ali Barre Omar, a celebrated community leader whose legacy includes the iconic Ceel Ali Barre, a vital community well in Laas Caanood. Ali Haji Warsame spent his early years in Mogadishu and Hargeisa, where he completed his primary education. He originates from Mudugh, a uniquely diverse and multi-clan region of Somalia.
Vision for Somalia
Politically, Ali Haji Warsame is a firm believer in Somalia’s potential for a brighter future. He is committed to resolving the nation’s current challenges through cooperation, trust-building, and visionary leadership among its leaders.
Professional Achievements
Minister of Education/Higher Education, Puntland State of Somalia
During his tenure as Minister of Education/Higher Education, Ali Haji Warsame spearheaded transformative reforms in Puntland’s education sector. Key accomplishments include:
Overseeing the implementation of government policies to improve education standards.
Introducing centralized curriculum and final examinations for all public schools.
Securing increased funding to enhance the Ministry’s operational capabilities.
Strengthening partnerships with international donors and educational institutions to promote accessible, quality education for all in Puntland.
Successfully chairing major state, regional, and international conferences on education.
Private Sector Leadership
Ali Haji Warsame has a proven track record in the private sector. He served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Golis Telecom Somalia, the largest telecommunications company in Puntland, from May 2012 to October 2013. Under his leadership, the company achieved significant financial and operational improvements. Prior to this, he held various senior management roles, including:
Senior Consultant/Partner at Falcon Associates Ltd (UK).
Auditor/Senior-in-Charge at Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority (UAE).
Financial Controller at Abu Dhabi Educational Zone, Ministry of Education (UAE).
Director of Bosaso Port, Somalia.
Current Role
Ali Haji Warsame currently serves as the Goodwill Ambassador of Puntland Education, a role conferred upon him by the employees, management, and teachers of the Puntland Ministry of Education in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sector. Mr. AH Warsame is a Member of National Committee for the Defence of the National Unity and Territorial Integrity of Somalia, and
Executive Director of Hill Institute.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Ali Haji Warsame is well-versed in Islamic studies, with a deep understanding of values such as tolerance, peace, social justice, reconciliation, human dignity, and equality. His academic and professional qualifications include:
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Accounting and Management – Somali Institute of Development Administration and Management (November 1990).
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – Delaware State Board of Accountancy, USA (1998–1999).
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management Information Systems – American University, London, UK (2002–2003).
Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), UK (2002).
Assessor Certification – City & Guilds, UK.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Somali Association of Certified Accountants.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Somali: Native or bilingual proficiency.
English: Full professional proficiency.
Arabic: Full professional proficiency.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Ali Haji Warsame is deeply committed to philanthropy and community development. His volunteer contributions include:
Providing basic training to youth and adult learners in Puntland.
Serving as a trustee for the UK-based charity MRDA, which supports fee waiver programs for low-income families and orphans in Africa. To date, over 500 students have benefited from this initiative.
Contributing to various charitable causes in Somalia and across Africa.
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