A youth-driven development organization.
Masaf Development Organization (MDO) is a youth-driven, impact-focused nonprofit organization working across Ethiopia to empower underserved and marginalized communities.
From a single hub to a nationwide mission
MASAF was founded in April 2024 as Masaf Spaces — the first youth innovation and skills hub in the Somali Region, headquartered in Jigjiga. As its impact expanded, MASAF transitioned into a federally registered development organization with a broader mandate and strengthened governance systems.
MASAF expands access to skills, digital opportunities, entrepreneurship support, and inclusive economic pathways for youth and marginalized groups.
“Masaf Development Organization (MASAF) empowers underserved and marginalized communities—particularly youth, women, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and persons with disabilities—by expanding inclusive access to skills, education, digital opportunities, networks, and essential resources.”
We enable individuals to build sustainable livelihoods, create jobs, and strengthen resilience, while developing future innovators, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders who contribute to economic growth, social inclusion, and resilient, thriving communities across Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
Organizational Objectives
- 01
Inclusive Education Access
Enhance access to inclusive, practical, and digital education for marginalized youth and women.
- 02
Economic Empowerment
Promote economic empowerment through entrepreneurship development, financial literacy, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
- 03
Gender Equality & Social Inclusion
Advance gender equality and social inclusion for women, girls, persons with disabilities, and displaced populations.
- 04
Labor Market Readiness
Improve labor market readiness and workforce participation through employability skills development and private-sector linkages.
- 05
Community Resilience
Strengthen community resilience and climate-responsive livelihoods through innovative, sustainable, and locally driven solutions.
MASAF Core Values
- Integrity
- We uphold honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all our actions, ensuring trust and accountability with communities, partners, and stakeholders.
- Excellence
- We pursue the highest standards in program design, implementation, and impact, continuously learning and improving to deliver meaningful results.
- Innovation
- We embrace creativity, technology, and new approaches to address complex challenges and unlock opportunities for youth and women.
- Inclusion & Equity
- We promote equal access and meaningful participation for all, with a strong focus on marginalized groups, including youth, women, IDPs, and persons with disabilities.
- Collaboration
- We believe sustainable impact is achieved through strong partnerships and collective action with communities, civil society, government, and the private sector.
- Accountability
- We remain responsible and transparent in the use of resources, delivery of results, and fulfillment of our commitments.
- Empowerment
- We strengthen people's skills, agency, and confidence so they can lead their own development and shape their futures.
Our Approach
- Participatory and community-led development
- Youth innovation hubs through Masaf Spaces
- Skills, mentorship, and access to technology
- Strengthening local leadership and institutions
- Partnership-driven and scalable impact
Governance Structure
MASAF Development Organization is a board-led organization guided by strong governance principles that promote accountability, transparency, strategic leadership, and sustainable impact.
Meet Our Executive Team
Our Executive Team leads the organization's strategy, operations, partnerships, and day-to-day implementation, ensuring effective delivery of programs and continued growth.
Ahmed Taman
Executive Director
Mohamud Abdirishid Bashir
Deputy Director for Operations
Ali Mohamed Ali
Program Manager
Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamud
Program Coordinator
Mahamed Aabi Ahmed
Finance and Admin Manager
Suhayb Mohamed Barkadle
Finance & Admin Team Leader
Suber Abdulahi Ali
Operations Manager
Kader Shafi Ismail
MASAF Space – Hub Manager
Mohamud Sheik Mohamed
Communication Director
Zakaria Muktar Abdi
Internal Auditor
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides strategic oversight, governance leadership, and long-term stewardship of the organization. Their guidance helps strengthen accountability, sustainability, and MASAF's mission-driven vision.
Ridwan Abdirizak Mahamud
Board Chairperson
Mahamed Abdi Wali
Deputy Board Chairman
Mohamed Abdirishid Ibrahim
Board Secretary
Marwo Abdiaziz Abdulahi
Board Member
Guled Hasen Egal
Board Member