About Us
Who We Are
The Somali Community Development Association (SOCDA) is a Somali, non-governmental, nonprofit, and non-partisan civil society organization established in February 2025 by Somali intellectuals and community-minded professionals.
SOCDA is committed to advancing inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven development across Somalia. The organization works to strengthen communities and local institutions, expand opportunities for vulnerable populations, promote good governance and human rights, support peace and social cohesion, improve livelihoods and essential services, and strengthen resilience to climate, humanitarian, and socio-economic shocks.
"SOCDA believes sustainable development requires local ownership, accountable institutions, meaningful participation, credible evidence, and strong 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 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.
Core Values
Integrity & Accountability
Responsible management and accountability to communities and partners.
Transparency
Openness, ethical conduct, and responsible decision-making.
Participation & Inclusion
Meaningful participation of communities, women, youth, and marginalized groups.
Human Rights & Dignity
Respect for equality, dignity, and fundamental rights.
Professionalism
Quality, competence, and effective programme management.
Innovation & Learning
Evidence, learning, technology, and continuous improvement.
Partnership
Collaboration with government, civil society, development partners, and private sector.
Sustainability
Locally owned solutions that generate lasting benefits.
Strategic Objectives
12 core pillars driving SOCDA's impact across Somalia.
Promote locally led and community-driven development.
Strengthen governance, civic participation, and accountability.
Improve education, skills, health, and nutrition.
Strengthen food security, livelihoods, and economic resilience.
Empower women and youth.
Promote peacebuilding, reconciliation, and social cohesion.
Strengthen climate, environmental, and disaster resilience.
Promote human rights, equality, and social inclusion.
Strengthen civil society and local institutions.
Support humanitarian preparedness, response, and early recovery.
Generate evidence through research, MEAL, and organizational learning.
Build partnerships and mobilize resources for sustainable development.
Who We Are?
Our Vision
A peaceful, prosperous, inclusive and resilient Somalia where every community has equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from sustainable development.
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 Core Values
- Integrity & Accountability – Responsible management and accountability to communities and partners.
- Transparency – Openness, ethical conduct and responsible decision-making.
- Participation & Inclusion – Meaningful participation of communities, women, youth and marginalized groups.
- Human Rights & Dignity – Respect for equality, dignity and fundamental rights.
- Professionalism – Quality, competence and effective programme management.
- Innovation & Learning – Evidence, learning, technology and continuous improvement.
- Partnership – Collaboration with government, communities, civil society, development partners and the private sector.
- Sustainability – Locally owned solutions that generate lasting benefits.
Strategic Objectives
SOCDA aims to:
- Promote locally led and community-driven development.
- Strengthen governance, civic participation and accountability.
- Improve education, skills, health and nutrition.
- Strengthen food security, livelihoods and economic resilience.
- Empower women and youth.
- Promote peacebuilding, reconciliation and social cohesion.
- Strengthen climate, environmental and disaster resilience.
- Promote human rights, equality and social inclusion.
- Strengthen civil society and local institutions.
- Support humanitarian preparedness, response and early recovery.
- Generate evidence through research, MEAL and organizational learning.
- Build partnerships and mobilize resources for sustainable development.