Youth-led solutions creating pathways to skills, jobs, and resilience.
Masaf Development Organization (MASAF) is a youth-led nonprofit organization based in Ethiopia, empowering underserved communities through skills development, innovation, and inclusive economic opportunities.
News, Success Stories, Blogs & Updates
NewsMasaf Spaces Launches Operations in Somalia
First regional scale-up outside Ethiopia, deepening ties with Somali communities across borders.
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Success StoryFrom Trainee to Program Facilitator
Stories from program alumni who turned skills cohorts into livelihoods and leadership.
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BlogInside the Summer Internship Program 2025
A voluntary 3-month placement across Admin, Programs, and Communications in Jigjiga.
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UpdateYear-End Event 2024 with Mama Asli Abade
MASAF hosted Mama Asli Abade, the first female pilot in Africa, for a community evening.
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Youth-driven. Impact-focused. Rooted in Ethiopia.
We expand opportunities for youth, women, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities. Our work sits at the intersection of skills, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and community resilience — equipping the next generation of African leaders to build livelihoods and communities that last.
“To empower youth and marginalized communities in Ethiopia by expanding access to skills, education, digital opportunities, and networks that create jobs, strengthen resilience, and drive inclusive development.”
Five principles that shape every program
- 01
Youth-Led & Youth-Focused
Young people are not beneficiaries — they are co-designers, facilitators, and leaders across our work.
- 02
Inclusive by Design
We deliberately create access for women, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities.
- 03
Skills to Livelihoods
Every program is built to translate learning into real jobs, enterprises, and economic participation.
- 04
Blended Physical & Digital Model
We combine on-the-ground MASAF Spaces with digital platforms that extend reach beyond any one city.
- 05
Partnership-Driven
We co-create with donors, governments, employers, and civil society — no single actor solves systemic barriers alone.
Growing reach across the Horn of Africa
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- Youth Reached
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- Activities Delivered
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- Cities Reached
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- Partnerships Built
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- Hubs Created
MASAF Spaces: Youth Innovation & Skills Hubs
MASAF established the first youth innovation and co-working hub in the Somali Region, creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can learn, innovate, collaborate, and build careers. Today, MASAF Spaces operate as a blended model—combining physical hubs and digital platforms—to expand access to skills, mentorship, and opportunity.
Our Work Focuses On
- 01Skills Development & Lifelong Learning
- 02Entrepreneurship & MSME Support
- 03Workforce Development & Employability
- 04Women's Economic Empowerment
- 05Technology, Digital Jobs & Innovation
- 06Community Resilience & IDP Support
Let's build resilient pathways together.
MASAF grows through co-creation. Whether you fund programs, hire young talent, host research, or contribute expertise, there is a way to work with us.
- Program funding and co-creation
- Employer partnerships and talent pipelines
- Hosting interns and young professionals
- Research, learning, and innovation initiatives
Our Partners
Creating Pathways to Skills, Jobs, and Resilience.
Whether you are a donor, employer, university, institution, or individual contributor — there is a way to strengthen the opportunities young people build here.