Building inclusive communities.
SOCDA is a Somali, non-governmental, non-profit and non-partisan organization committed to advancing inclusive, sustainable and community-driven development across Somalia.
The Somali Community Development Association
Our Mission
To empower Somali communities through inclusive development, strengthen local institutions, promote good governance and human rights, expand livelihoods, support peace and social cohesion, and build resilience through locally led solutions and partnerships.
Our Vision
A peaceful, prosperous, inclusive and resilient Somalia where every community has equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from sustainable development.
Our Program Areas
Research, Evidence & Knowledge
Conducting assessments, research, surveys and evaluations to generate reliable evidence for better decisions.
Governance & Civic Participation
Strengthening civic engagement, public participation, transparency and accountable local institutions.
Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion
Supporting dialogue, conflict prevention, reconciliation and stronger social cohesion among communities.
Human Rights & Protection
Promoting human rights, equality, dignity and protection for vulnerable populations.
Education & Skills Development
Expanding education, literacy, life skills, vocational training and employment-oriented skills.
Health, Nutrition & Wellbeing
Promoting health education, nutrition, hygiene, disease prevention and community wellbeing.
Food Security & Livelihoods
Strengthening food security through agriculture, livestock, entrepreneurship and resilient livelihoods.
Women & Youth Empowerment
Creating opportunities through leadership, entrepreneurship and civic participation.
Climate, Environment & Resilience
Supporting climate adaptation, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction and resilient livelihoods.
Working together for a lasting impact
Our Partnership Ecosystem
SOCDA collaborates with global donors, governmental bodies, and civil societies to construct resilient communities and sustainable futures.
Federal & State Governments
Aligning public policy and state-level social development frameworks.
Traditional & Civic Leaders
Empowering local leaders and community-driven initiatives.
UN Agencies & Donors
Executing international development agendas and humanitarian response.
Academia & Research
Driving evidence-based policy research and education programs.
Private Sector & NGO Networks
Bridging commercial enterprise with civil society for sustainable economic growth.
"Fostering transformative change through accountable and strategic partnerships across all sectors."
Stories & Impact Updates
Climate adaptation
Building Resilience for a Changing Somalia
Empowering communities with sustainable agricultural techniques and climate adaptability.
Economic Development
Empowering Women & Youth Through Opportunity
Providing vocational skills, seed funding, and business mentorship programs.
Civic Governance
Strengthening Participation & Local Governance
Facilitating transparent dialogues between regional leaders and grassroots citizens.
Access Reports & Publications
Download field research, financial summaries, and technical learning frameworks.
Our Partners
SOCDA seeks partnerships with:
- Federal and state governments
- Local authorities
- Traditional and community leaders
- CBOs and CSOs
- National and international NGOs
- UN agencies
- Donors and development partners
- Universities and research institutions
- Private-sector organizations
Stories and Updates
Team Member of SOCDA, contributing to efforts to strengthen citizen participation, accountable governance, social accountability, inclusion, community resilience, and locally led advocacy across Southwest Somalia.
FROM OPPORTUNITY
TO ACTION
Empowering Women and Youth to Lead, Create, and Participate
In Baidoa, SOCDA brought together 57 women and youth from host and IDP communities for an intensive 3-day capacity-building journey. Transforming untapped potential into actionable community leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic resilience.
Location
Baidoa, Somalia
Duration
8–10 August 2026
Participants
57 Youth & Women
Workshop Spotlight
Southwest State Somalia
Building Grassroots Civic Leadership
"This training helped me realize that I have skills and ideas that can make a difference in my community. I gained more confidence in speaking up..."
From Before to After Workshop
Real shift observed among participants in Baidoa, Southwest State
Before the Workshop
- Limited access to formal leadership and decision-making training.
- Untapped business ideas and unguided local entrepreneurship potential.
- Minimal platforms for structured civic engagement with local authorities.
- Isolated networks between host and displaced IDP community members.
After the Workshop
- Increased exposure to practical leadership, public speaking & decision-making skills.
- Greater awareness of market opportunity identification & initiative planning.
- Stronger understanding of constructive community participation and local advocacy.
- Robust new peer networks bridging women, youth, host, and IDP community groups.
Want to read the complete evaluation and qualitative testimony?
Current Opportunities
Build your humanitarian career with SCDO across Somalia.
Program Officer
The Program Officer will support project planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
Finance Assistant
The Finance Assistant will support financial documentation, reporting and administrative activities.
Transparency & Accountability
We believe transparency and accountability are essential to building trust with communities and partners.
Policies
- Socda Anti-Fraud, Anti-Corruption & Whistleblowing Policy
- Socda Finance Policy & Procedures Manual
- Socda Human Resources Policy & Procedures Manual
- Socda Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (Meal) Framework
- Socda Procurement Policy & Standard Operating Procedures (Sop)
- Socda Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
- Socda_Organizational_Profile