NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
SOMALIA
Developing Somali’s next generation of ethical, capable and visionary leaders
Established 2025
Leadership development that is local, practical, and impactful.
National Leadership Academy Somalia equips current and emerging leaders with the skills, values, and confidence to serve Somalia with integrity. Learn the full story on our About page
Mission
Equip principled leaders across public, private, and civil society sectors.
Vision
Build a stable, unified Somalia with inclusive governance and empowered youth.
Programs
Leadership training pathways for entry-level, mid-career, and executive roles.
Values
Integrity, Somali ownership, inclusive leadership, and excellence in service.
Who We Serve
Developing Somali’s next generation of ethical, capable and visionary leaders
Entry-Level Leader
University graduates and emerging youth leaders preparing to take on positions of responsibility in Somalia's public and private sectors.
Building Foundations
Our entry-level programs provide essential leadership skills, ethical frameworks, and practical knowledge to prepare the next generation of Somali leaders. These programs help bridge the gap between academic education and the competencies needed for effective public service.
Advancing Capabilities
Mid-career professionals benefit from specialized training in areas such as strategic leadership, policy implementation, and organizational management. These programs enhance existing skills and prepare participants for increased responsibilities in their respective sectors.
Mid-Career Professionals
Established professionals looking to enhance their leadership capabilities and advance to more senior roles in their organizations.
Executive Leadership
Senior leaders seeking to enhance their strategic vision, crisis management, and policy implementation skills for greater national impact.
Strategic Leadership
Our executive programs offer high-level strategic training focused on national priorities, governance reform, and institutional transformation. These intensive courses bring together current leaders to enhance their effectiveness and foster a unified vision for Somalia's development.
Our Distinguished Directors
Amb. Dr. Hodan Osman Abdi
Board Chair
Dr. Hodan Osman Abdi is Somalia's current Ambassador to China, appointed in October 2024. A fluent Mandarin speaker and long-time resident of China since 2005, she holds a Ph.D.
Dr. Abdourahmane Ba
Board Member
Dr. Abdourahmane Ba is an international development expert with over two decades of leadership in public policy, monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL), and adaptive governance across Africa
Dr. Abdurahman Abdullahi Baadiyow
Board Member
Dr. Abdurahman Abdullahi is a leading scholar and expert in Somali peacebuilding, governance, and higher education. He holds a Ph.D. in Modern Islamic History from McGill University and has authored four books and numerous academic publications on Somali conflict and reconciliation.
Dr. Mohamed Mohamud Mohamed
Board Member
Dr. Mohamed Mohamud Mohamed is currently the Rector of Somali National University, and former deputy rector at SIMAD University. He has PhD in Peace. Governance, and Development from Upeace University.
Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas
Board Member
He is a Somali American economist and politician. He served as the Prime Minister of Somalia from June 2011 to October 2012, and briefly afterwards as an MP in the newly formed Federal Parliament. During his time as premier, Ali is credited with having devised the formal "Roadmap for the End of Transition", a political process that provided clear benchmarks leading toward the establishment of permanent democratic institutions in the country. On 8 January 2014, he was elected the 5th President of the Puntland.
Board Responsibilities
Strategic Vision
Providing leadership and strategic direction to ensure the Academy fulfills its mission of developing Somalia's next generation of effective leaders.
Quality Assurance
Maintaining high standards of educational excellence and ensuring programs remain relevant to Somalia's leadership development needs.Partnership Development
Fostering relationships with national and international organizations to enhance the Academy's impact and sustainability.
Governance
Overseeing the Academy's governance framework to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical management.Resource Mobilization
Securing financial and material resources to sustainably develop the Academy as a center of excellence for leadership development.
Inclusive Representation
Ensuring the Academy's programs reach all federal member states and serve diverse communities across Somalia, regardless of region, clan, or gender.