Masaf Spaces: Youth Innovation & Skills Hubs
The first youth innovation and skills hub in the Somali Region — now a blended model for inclusive skills and opportunity.
Overview
Masaf Spaces is the flagship youth innovation and skills program of Masaf Development Organization (MASAF). Established in Jigjiga, Masaf Spaces became the first co-working and youth innovation hub in the Somali Region, responding to the absence of inclusive, safe, and accessible spaces where young people could learn, collaborate, and build sustainable futures.
What began as a single physical hub has evolved into a scalable model of youth-centered innovation spaces, combining physical community hubs with emerging digital platforms. Masaf Spaces provides young people — especially those from underserved and marginalized backgrounds — with the tools, networks, and confidence to turn ideas into livelihoods, careers, and community-driven solutions.
Why Masaf Spaces Matter
In many underserved regions, youth face multiple barriers: limited access to skills training, technology, mentorship, professional networks, and safe civic spaces. Masaf Spaces addresses these gaps by creating inclusive environments where youth are not only beneficiaries, but active contributors and leaders.
- Expands access to skills and opportunities
- Encourages youth-led problem solving and innovation
- Strengthens local entrepreneurship and employment pathways
- Supports social cohesion and civic engagement
- Contributes to a stronger youth empowerment ecosystem
Youth who engage with Masaf Spaces gain access to valuable resources, professional networks, and real opportunities that help them build careers, secure employment, start businesses, and create positive impact within their communities. Many go on to become entrepreneurs, leaders, collaborators, and contributors to local development.
Services Available to Youth
- 01
Skills Development & Lifelong Learning
Short courses and workshops in employability, leadership, and industry-relevant skills.
- 02
Digital Literacy & Technology Access
From foundational digital skills to coding, data, and creative tools — with access to devices and connectivity.
- 03
Entrepreneurship Training & Business Coaching
Practical curricula and one-on-one coaching for aspiring and early-stage founders.
- 04
Startup Incubation & MSME Support
Structured support for early-stage ventures, including workspace, mentorship, and investor readiness.
- 05
Mentorship & Peer Networking
Curated mentor matches and peer cohorts that turn isolated ambition into collective momentum.
- 06
Career Guidance & Employability Support
CV and portfolio coaching, interview preparation, and direct introductions to employer partners.
- 07
Community Dialogues & Youth Leadership Programs
Forums where young people lead conversations on the issues shaping their communities.
Physical & Digital Masaf Spaces Model
Physical Masaf Spaces
Physical Masaf Spaces serve as community innovation hubs — safe, inclusive environments where youth can meet, learn, collaborate, and create. These hubs bring essential services closer to communities, particularly in regions where such opportunities are limited.
Physical hubs support:
- Hands-on training and workshops
- Peer-to-peer learning and collaboration
- Youth-led initiatives and community solutions
- Local innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership
They also function as civil spaces that promote inclusion, dialogue, and participation, strengthening trust and cooperation among youth, institutions, and communities.
Digital Masaf Spaces
Digital Masaf Spaces will extend the full Masaf Spaces experience online — ensuring that youth in remote, displaced, or underserved areas can access the same services offered in physical hubs.
Digital Masaf Spaces will provide:
- Online skills training and learning resources
- Virtual mentorship and peer networks
- Entrepreneurship and business support
- Career guidance and employability tools
- Access to opportunities, events, and communities
This blended model allows MASAF to scale impact without geographic barriers, reaching more young people across Ethiopia and beyond.
Peer Support, Youth Leadership & Ecosystem Contribution
Masaf Spaces is built on the belief that youth are not just participants, but leaders of change. The spaces actively promote peer learning, collaboration, and youth-led solutions that respond to local challenges.
Through Masaf Spaces, MASAF:
- Strengthens youth networks and collective action
- Supports civil society and community engagement
- Bridges gaps between youth, employers, institutions, and development actors
- Contributes to a more inclusive and resilient youth empowerment ecosystem
Impact and Long-Term Vision
Masaf Spaces has already demonstrated the power of youth-centered spaces to unlock potential, create opportunity, and strengthen communities. As part of MASAF's long-term strategy, the organization envisions expanding Masaf Spaces into a network of youth innovation and skills hubs across major cities in Africa, through partnerships, learning, and scalable models.
Grounded in Ethiopia and informed by local realities, Masaf Spaces aims to become a reference model for inclusive, youth-led development, supporting the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders.
What our partners say
Working with Masaf Space has been a transformative experience for our youth programs. Their environment is not just a venue, but a true innovation hub where ideas are nurtured and collaborations are born. Through our joint initiatives, we've been able to engage more young people, spark creativity, and deliver impactful programs that respond to real community needs.
Abdirahman Bashir
Program Director, Curis Youth Development Organization
Masaf Space has played a vital role in supporting our health awareness and outreach programs. Their commitment to community impact and their flexible, well-equipped space allowed us to host meaningful sessions and connect with diverse audiences. Partnering with Masaf Space strengthened our mission and expanded our reach in the region.
Muna Ali
Founder, Mosad Med Health Initiative
As a digital and software-focused company, collaboration and creativity are essential to our work. Masaf Space provided us with the perfect ecosystem to network, innovate, and even co-create solutions with other startups. Their support for tech-driven initiatives is exactly what the Somali region needs to grow its digital economy.
Abdifatah Ibrahim
Founder, Garaad Digital
Masaf Space stands out for its inclusivity and dedication to empowering all members of the community. Through our collaboration, we've been able to host programs that amplify the voices of youth with disabilities and create more awareness. Their platform gave us visibility, support, and a sense of belonging.
Abdifatah Mohamed
Executive Director, Somali Deaf Association
Open a MASAF Space in your community, or partner on the digital platform.
Partner With Us