Somalia, a country located in the Horn of Africa, has been plagued by conflict and instability for many years.
Despite this, there are several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in the country, working tirelessly to provide much-needed assistance to the population.
These organizations work in a variety of sectors, including healthcare, education, food security, and emergency response.
In this article, we will be discussing some of the best NGOs operating in Somalia.
These organizations have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the lives of Somalis, and have made significant contributions to the country’s development.
We will be highlighting their missions, key achievements, and the impact they have had on the ground and the challenges they face in their work, as well as the opportunities that exist for them to expand their reach and impact.
Through this article, we hope to shed light on the important work being done by NGOs in Somalia, and to encourage others to support these organizations in their efforts to build a brighter future for the country.
Best NGOs in Somalia
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
The International Committee of the Red Cross is a well-known NGO providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by conflict, violence, and natural disasters.
The ICRC’s primary focus is on protecting and assisting civilians caught up in armed conflict, promoting respect for international humanitarian law, and supporting the Somali Red Crescent Society.
The ICRC has offices in various locations across Somalia, including Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Galkayo.
Contacts
Website: www.icrc.org/en/where-we-work/africa/somalia
Email: mog_mogadishu@icrc.org
Phone: +252 61 555 5404 / +252 61 555 4686
Save the Children
Save the Children is an international NGO that focuses on providing healthcare, education, child protection, and nutrition services to vulnerable children and families.
Save the Children has been working in Somalia since 1951, and its programs reach over 1.7 million children each year.
The organization has offices in Mogadishu, Garowe, and Hargeisa.
Contacts
Website: somalia.savethechildren.net
Email: info@savethechildren.org
Phone: +252 (0) 618 481 806 / +252 (0) 634 449 791
World Vision Somalia
World Vision Somalia is a Christian humanitarian organization that has been working in Somalia since 1992.
The organization’s primary focus is on providing relief and development assistance to communities affected by conflict, drought, and poverty.
World Vision Somalia works in various sectors, including health, nutrition, education, and water and sanitation.
The organization has offices in various locations across Somalia, including Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Baidoa.
Contacts
Website: www.wvi.org/somalia
Email: somalia_info@wvi.org
Phone: +252 61 555 3739
Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is an international NGO that focuses on providing humanitarian assistance and promoting economic development in the country.
Mercy Corps works in various sectors, including agriculture, economic development, governance, and youth empowerment.
The organization has offices in various locations across Somalia, including Mogadishu, Garowe, and Hargeisa.
Contacts
Website: www.mercycorps.org/country/somalia
Email: infodesk@mercycorps.org
Phone: +252 61 581 0330
Oxfam in Somalia
Oxfam is an international NGO that operates in Somalia, focusing on providing humanitarian assistance, promoting women’s rights, and supporting sustainable development.
Oxfam works in various sectors, including water and sanitation, livelihoods, and emergency response.
The organization has offices in various locations across Somalia, including Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Garowe.
Contacts
Website: www.oxfam.org/somalia
Email: somalia@oxfam.org
Phone: +252 1 857 519
Islamic Relief Somalia
Islamic Relief Somalia is an NGO that provides emergency relief, development projects, and advocacy for communities affected by poverty, disasters, and conflicts in Somalia.
They operate in all regions of Somalia and have offices in Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Garowe.
Some of the services they offer include providing emergency food, water, and shelter, supporting education and health services, and implementing sustainable livelihood projects.
Contacts
Email: info@islamic-relief.org.so
Website: https://www.islamic-relief.org.so.
Action Against Hunger Somalia
Action Against Hunger Somalia is an NGO that provides lifesaving assistance to populations affected by conflict and natural disasters in Somalia.
They have been operating in Somalia since 1992 and have offices in Mogadishu, Garowe, and Hargeisa.
Their services include nutrition and health programs, food security and livelihoods, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, and emergency response.
Contacts
Email: somalia@actioncontrelafaim.org
Website: https://www.actioncontrelafaim.org/en/countries/somalia/
Danish Refugee Council (DRC) Somalia
DRC Somalia is an NGO that provides protection, shelter, livelihood, and other basic needs assistance to refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable populations in Somalia.
They have been operating in Somalia since 2007 and have offices in Mogadishu, Baidoa, and Garowe.
Some of the services they offer include emergency shelter, protection and legal assistance, livelihoods support, and WASH services.
Contacts
Email: somalia@drc.ngo
Website: https://drc.ngo/where-we-work/somalia.
Adeso
Adeso is an NGO that works with communities in Somalia to build resilience, strengthen local economies, and support sustainable livelihoods.
They have been operating in Somalia since 2007 and have offices in Mogadishu, Garowe, and Hargeisa.
Some of the services they offer include climate resilience and environmental sustainability, food security and livelihoods, and community-driven development.
Contacts
Email: info@adesoafrica.org
Website: https://adesoafrica.org/
Concern Worldwide Somalia
Concern Worldwide Somalia is an NGO that works with communities in Somalia to reduce poverty, improve health, and promote sustainable livelihoods.
They have been operating in Somalia since 1986 and have offices in Mogadishu and Garowe.
Some of the services they offer include emergency response, nutrition and health programs, and support for sustainable livelihoods.
Contacts
Email: somalia@concern.net
Website: https://www.concern.net/where-we-work/africa/somalia
Human Appeal Somalia
Human Appeal Somalia is an NGO that provides emergency relief, development projects, and advocacy for communities affected by poverty, disasters, and conflicts in Somalia.
They have been operating in Somalia since 2011 and have offices in Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Garowe.
Some of the services they offer include providing emergency food, water, and shelter, supporting education and health services, and implementing sustainable livelihood projects.
Contacts
Email: info@humanappeal.org.so
Website: https://humanappeal.org.uk
Impacts of NGOs in Somalia
NGOs have had a significant impact on Somalia, a country that has been plagued by conflict, drought, and poverty for decades.
Here are some of the ways in which NGOs have made a difference;
- Humanitarian Assistance: NGOs have been instrumental in providing emergency relief to Somalis affected by conflict, drought, and famine. They provide food, water, shelter, and medical care to those in need.
- Education: NGOs have set up schools in Somalia, providing access to education to children who would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend school. They also provide teacher training and support, which has improved the quality of education in the country.
- Health: NGOs have worked to improve healthcare in Somalia by building hospitals and clinics, training healthcare workers, and providing medical supplies and equipment. This has helped to reduce the incidence of diseases and improve the overall health of the population.
- Women’s Empowerment: NGOs have played a critical role in promoting gender equality and empowering women in Somalia. They have provided training and support to women entrepreneurs, supported women’s cooperatives, and advocated for women’s rights.
- Peacebuilding: NGOs have worked to promote peace and stability in Somalia by supporting conflict resolution, mediation, and dialogue. They have also worked to promote human rights and rule of law in the country.
Challenges
Some of the challenges that NGOs operating in Somalia go through include;
- Security challenges: NGOs in Somalia face significant security challenges due to the ongoing conflict and instability in the region. Many areas are controlled by armed groups, making it difficult for NGOs to access those in need.
- Limited funding: Most NGOs in Somalia rely on funding from international organizations, which can be limited and uncertain. This means that many NGOs struggle to provide the necessary services to those in need.
- Lack of infrastructure: Somalia’s infrastructure is severely underdeveloped, which makes it difficult for NGOs to operate. This includes inadequate road networks, limited access to electricity, and poor communication networks.
- Cultural barriers: NGOs must navigate cultural barriers when working in Somalia. Some communities are suspicious of outsiders, and NGOs may struggle to build trust and establish effective partnerships.
- Political instability: Somalia has been in a state of political instability for decades, with frequent changes in government and shifting alliances. NGOs must navigate these complex political dynamics to ensure that their work is effective and sustainable.
- Limited human resources: NGOs in Somalia often struggle to find and retain qualified staff due to the security risks and low salaries. This can lead to a shortage of skilled professionals, making it difficult to provide high-quality services.
