HAWDO Leads Digital Democracy and Community Empowerment in Somaliland

Burao, Somaliland – The Horn of Africa Welfare Development Organisation (HAWDO), a registered nonprofit NGO in Somaliland, is advancing inclusive governance and digital transformation through its grassroots and institutional partnerships. HAWDO’s work focuses on empowering citizens, especially youth, through democracy-building, digital literacy, and support for internally displaced people (IDPs).

HAWDO collaborates closely with Somaliland’s key ministries including the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (MRRR). In Burao, HAWDO is leading a major initiative to support long-term IDP communities by preparing profiles, providing access to education and vocational training, and promoting self-reliance.

As part of its digital governance mission, HAWDO is submitting a proposal titled "Citizenship and Government in the Digital Age: AI and New Technologies in Public Administration" to the International Observatory on Participatory Democracy (IOPD). This initiative promotes Somaliland’s vision of modern governance through citizen participation and emerging technology.

“We believe that citizens are the real owners of the country, and technology can make that power visible and accessible,” said Abdulkadir Mohamoud Sugal, Director of HAWDO.

HAWDO continues to be a voice for the people by promoting digital inclusion, government accountability, and stronger public service delivery. The organization is also advocating for Somaliland to have its own country-specific internet domain and digital identity on global platforms.

For media contact:

📧 info@hawdo.org

🌐 www.hawdo.org

📍 Burao,