We’re changing
what’s known —
and how it’s
known.
Progress slowed not by a lack of resources, but by a lack of reliable knowledge.
Sababi Institute is an independent research center and social enterprise based in Hargeisa, Somaliland, founded in 2022. We work to improve the research and knowledge ecosystem across the Horn of Africa — generating better data, conducting rigorous research, and building the systems through which knowledge is shared and used.
Three pillars.
One mission.
Generating
Better Data
Academic-grade data collection, rigorous survey methodology, and primary research in contexts where reliable data is scarce — the foundation everything else builds on.
Proving Better
Research Is Possible
Demonstrating that methodologically sophisticated research can be conducted in and about the Horn of Africa — not despite the context, but because of deep local knowledge.
Building Better
Knowledge Systems
Digitization, institutional strengthening, administrative data systems, and public access — building the infrastructure for a functioning research and knowledge ecosystem.
Our projects
Public Opinion Polling During Puntland’s Democratic Transition
Understanding citizen preferences during one of Somalia’s most significant electoral transitions. One of the first large-scale public opinion surveys examining citizens’ attitudes toward democratization.
Administrative Data Infrastructure for Somaliland’s Criminal Justice System
Turning paper records into one of Somaliland’s first integrated criminal justice data systems.
Theory of Change Review
Examining the evidence behind international development programming in Somalia.
Digital EGRA
Rethinking how foundational learning is measured — a tablet-based assessment using a digital avatar.
Research on Reforming Somali Customary Justice
The first large-scale quantitative survey of traditional Somali clan elders.
Smart Beginnings
Developing and evaluating new approaches to early childhood development with IPA and Northwestern University.
Public Financial Management Digitization
Transforming 600+ government budget documents into usable public data across five Federal Member States.
Georgetown Project on Public Financial Management
Training emerging researchers through applied policy research with Georgetown University and Somali Public Agenda.
Built on expertise
and local knowledge.
Sababi is led by two researchers who have spent their careers designing, fielding, and delivering rigorous studies in some of the region’s most demanding field conditions.
Insights & analysis
Survey methods in conflict-affected settings
Lessons from designing rigorous surveys in environments where standard approaches break down.
Building Somaliland’s first public opinion baseline
Why longitudinal data collection matters for governance and institutional accountability.
The case for open data in East Africa
How data-sharing infrastructure can accelerate research and policy outcomes across the region.
Let’s build something
meaningful together.
Whether you’re a researcher, funder, government partner, or international organization — we’d love to hear from you. See our partnership approach →
