About SDI

The SAMA Development Institute (SDI) is an independent not-for-profit research institute established to provide high quality policy analysis in the design and implementation of economic, social and environment policies.

SDI combines the qualities of:

  • A research institute committed to rigorous and objective analysis to support policy making;

  • An honest broker in handling complex economic, social and environmental issues;

  • An agent for change that promotes transition to a more sustainable and equitable  development;

  • A leading center for research, teaching and communications for Somaliland’s development;

  • Conducting evidence-based research to generate knowledge that informs and supports policy formulation and the implementation of programmes for poverty reduction and economic growth;

  • Collaborating with a variety of national and international researchers in order to allow cross-fertilization of ideas, knowledge and experiences.

Mission

  • SDI endeavors to establish itself as a center of excellence capable through its “Action Research” in designing policies that foster greater equity and long-run growth and prosperity.

  • SDI endeavors to bring about change at the level of national policy on poverty reduction and social progress;

  • SDI will contribute to this mission by strengthening the capacity of both public and private sectors;

Objectives

  • To address national priority research issues;

  • Linking evidence-based research outcomes to policy design for development;

  • Undertake practical research that engage closely with policy makers throughout the process, from identifying the problems, undertaking the research itself and drawing out recommendation for policy and practice from the research;

  • To undertake policy research in core development areas including development economics;

  • Action oriented research, contextualized and related to the prospects of both the government and its development partners;

  • Conduct research in collaboration with external partners;

  • To carry out research and provide consultancy services to government, donors and other institutions;

  • To initiate and conduct research and dissemination of knowledge in the fields of development studies;

  • To organize workshops, seminars, and conferences to disseminate research findings and share ideas.

Organization and Governance

Advisory Board

There is an Advisory Board that is selected from among eminent professionals, civil society, and public-private sector members. The members of the Advisory Board serve in their individual capacities and advice and assist SDI in formulating and carrying out its research and other professional programs.

Executive Director

An Executive Director under the guidance of the Advisory Board manages the institute.

Administrative Structure

The administrative structure of SDI consists of the following three units that assist the Executive Director in the administrative matters of the institute:

  • Research Unit;

  • Finance and Administration Unit;

  • Support Services Unit.

SDI Capabilities and Resources

SDI brings together a group of people who are dedicated to foster a common goal of ensuring quality research and policy analysis. The fulfillment of SDI’s mission requires the contribution of competent professionals committed to the goals and values of SDI; thus, fostering development of the human potential in SDI staff.

Some of the goals in achieving this will include:

  • Creating incentives to attract competent and motivated researchers;

  • Providing training opportunities for researchers;

  • Establishing vibrant internship and volunteer programs;

  • Creating an adequately equipped SDI resource center;

  • Undertaking joint research programs with reputed institutions.

The Work We Do

SDI believes that local knowledge and values are crucial in building sustainable lives. SDI approach is highly collaborative, and stakeholder involvement is always at the heart of its work.

The identification of research projects is guided by (i) through a needs survey, (ii) relevance of policy issues to the priority themes, and (iii) alignment with country strategy.

SDI programs and key activities include:

Research Programs

  • SDI conducts independent research and carries out rigorous policy analysis; 

  • SDI work spans across many topics and is woven into themes/clusters reflecting country priorities;

  • The work being undertaken within SDI generates evidence based knowledge and serves policy-makers, donors, private sector, researchers, civil society and the interested public at large.

  • SDI organizes its research work thematically. This provides a focus, but also allows for inter disciplinary work on cross cutting issues/themes:

Lecture Series

  • The main aim of the lecture series is to share research findings from on-going case studies, as well as setting the stage for further research.

Training and Seminars

  • Provide demand-driven, context specific professional training modules for enhancing knowledge and expertise in specialist technical subject areas.

Advisory Services and Consultancy

  • To carry out research and provide consultant services to government, donors and other institutions.

SAMA Development Forum

  • SAMA development forum provides opportunity for a well-informed, evidence-based policy debate with participation from policy-makers, researchers, civil society and the interested public at large. The forum will have valuable input to policy initiatives, reform programs and flows with the current public debate;

Knowledge Sharing

  • SDI knowledge sharing aim to facilitate the flow of development information to support more informed decision-making by those in a position to influence change;

  • SDI will undertake research dissemination service via its own website, publication of research monographs, workshops and lecture series.

Partners

In order to achieve its goal:

  • SDI’s reputation/success will be based on the quality of its work and the intellectual rigor with which it applies academic skills to real development challenges;

  • SDI values its partnerships with like-minded reputable national, regional and international institutions as an important way to improve the outreach and quality of its research;

  • Our choice of partners is driven by the desire to increase impact so that we can scale up, replicate and learn.