Al-Shabaab’s Spending Priorities
Group Profile
With an annual revenue estimated between $100 million and $200 million, Al-Shabaab has substantial financial resources—but also extensive expenses to cover. In 2018, the Hiraal Institute estimated that Al-Shabaab’s annual expenditures totaled approximately $23.6 million, paying salaries and bribes, providing basic services, and even investing in businesses. The group was assessed to spend an additional $2 million per year on ammunition and explosives. Since then, Al-Shabaab has increased tax collection and thus the amount of revenue generated. The salaries and number of operations, however, have not drastically grown over the last few years. Even with its operating costs, the group is running a substantial financial surplus.
What else does the group spend its money on? Find out below.
Organizational Expenses
Salaries
Al-Shabaab allocates a significant portion of its financial resources for paying salaries to soldiers, administrators, and other officials. Foot soldiers, who make up the bulk of the group’s members, are paid relatively modest wages. In 2022, new recruits earned about $30 per month, and trained cadets and drivers earned $70 per month. In addition to salaries, food costs for these fighters totalled about $3.6 million per year in 2018, based on $2 per fighter per day.
Among Al-Shabaab’s personnel, the Amniyaat (the group’s security force) receive the highest base salaries, starting at $200 per month. Their financial packages also include ‘additional benefits’ to support their activities, particularly when operating in enemy territory – but there are limited details on these other incentives. Commanders and administrative officials also earn competitive salaries, with starting pay of $200 per month, which can rise to $400 depending on rank. The Somali Government outlines that very high-ranking officials, such as the group’s Emir, are among the highest-paid members, earning up to $25,000 per month.