About Us
Our Vision
To be a leading research and training institution in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, recognised for producing rigorous, independent scholarship that drives sustainable development and good governance.
Our Mission
To generate knowledge, build capacity, and provide expert guidance that empowers individuals, institutions, and communities to make informed decisions and achieve lasting impact.
Our Objectives
Five strategic objectives that guide everything we do.
Conduct independent and high-quality research on issues relevant to Somalia and the Horn of Africa.
Provide evidence-based consultancy and advisory services to governments, NGOs, and the private sector.
Build local research capacity through training, mentorship, and academic support.
Bridge the gap between research findings and policy implementation.
Foster regional and international research collaborations.
Our Story
Rajo Research Institute was founded by Dr. Abdifatah Ahmed Ali Afyare with a singular conviction: that Somalia's challenges require homegrown solutions built on solid evidence and deep local knowledge.
The word Rajo means Hope in Somali. It captures the spirit of the institute — a belief that with the right knowledge, the right people, and the right support, a better future is not just possible but achievable.
Based in Mogadishu, the institute operates at the intersection of academia, policy, and practice. We work with local and international partners to produce research that is both globally rigorous and locally relevant.
Since its founding, Rajo has grown into a trusted resource for policymakers, development organisations, academic institutions, and civil society across Somalia and the wider region.