Youth-led solutions creating pathways to skills, jobs, and resilience.
Masaf Development Organization (MASAF) is a youth-led nonprofit organization based in Ethiopia, empowering underserved communities through skills development, innovation, and inclusive economic opportunities.
News, Success Stories, Blogs & Updates
NewsMasaf Development Organization Marks World Youth Skills Day 2026 with Regional Forum on Skills, Enterprise, and Youth Employment
Jigjiga, Somali Region, Ethiopia — 15 July 2026 Masaf Development Organization (MDO), in partnership with the Somali Region Skills and Job Creation Bureau and Rays Microfinance Institution, hosted a regional forum in Jigjiga on 15 July 2026 to commemorate World Youth Skills Day under the global theme "Skills for a Shared Future.
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EventMasaf Development Organization to Host World Youth Skills Day 2026 Forum in Jigjiga
In celebration of World Youth Skills Day 2026, Masaf Development Organization (MDO), in partnership with the Somali Regional State Skills and Job Creation Bureau and Rays Microfinance Institution, will convene a high-level forum in Jigjiga under the global theme "Skills for the Future." The event will take place on 15 July 2026 at Duule Hotel, beginning at 8:30 AM.
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EventMASAF Development Organization Hosts Inspiring Year-End Dialogue with Aviation Pioneer Mamo Asli Abade
As part of its year-end activities, MASAF Development Organization had the honor of hosting an inspiring dialogue session with Mamo Asli Abade, a trailblazing Somali aviation pioneer whose remarkable journey continues to inspire generations across Africa and beyond
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NewsMasaf Development Organization Launches Digital Awarenes to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls in the Somali Region
Masaf Development Organization (MDO) has officially commenced implementation of its new project, “Digital Awareness to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
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Youth-driven. Impact-focused. Rooted in Ethiopia.
We expand opportunities for youth, women, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities. Our work sits at the intersection of skills, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and community resilience — equipping the next generation of African leaders to build livelihoods and communities that last.
“To empower youth and marginalized communities in Ethiopia by expanding access to skills, education, digital opportunities, and networks that create jobs, strengthen resilience, and drive inclusive development.”
Five principles that shape every program
- 01
Youth-Led & Youth-Focused
Young people are not beneficiaries — they are co-designers, facilitators, and leaders across our work.
- 02
Inclusive by Design
We deliberately create access for women, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities.
- 03
Skills to Livelihoods
Every program is built to translate learning into real jobs, enterprises, and economic participation.
- 04
Blended Physical & Digital Model
We combine on-the-ground MASAF Spaces with digital platforms that extend reach beyond any one city.
- 05
Partnership-Driven
We co-create with donors, governments, employers, and civil society — no single actor solves systemic barriers alone.
Growing reach across the Horn of Africa
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- Youth Reached
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- Activities Delivered
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- Cities Reached
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- Partnerships Built
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- Hubs Created
MASAF Spaces: Youth Innovation & Skills Hubs
MASAF established the first youth innovation and co-working hub in the Somali Region, creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can learn, innovate, collaborate, and build careers. Today, MASAF Spaces operate as a blended model—combining physical hubs and digital platforms—to expand access to skills, mentorship, and opportunity.
Our Work Focuses On
- 01Skills Development & Lifelong Learning
- 02Entrepreneurship & MSME Support
- 03Workforce Development & Employability
- 04Women's Economic Empowerment
- 05Technology, Digital Jobs & Innovation
- 06Community Resilience & IDP Support
Let's build resilient pathways together.
MASAF grows through co-creation. Whether you fund programs, hire young talent, host research, or contribute expertise, there is a way to work with us.
- Program funding and co-creation
- Employer partnerships and talent pipelines
- Hosting interns and young professionals
- Research, learning, and innovation initiatives
Our Partners
Creating Pathways to Skills, Jobs, and Resilience.
Whether you are a donor, employer, university, institution, or individual contributor — there is a way to strengthen the opportunities young people build here.