Key Services
The Centre for Applied Development, Innovation and Research (CADIR) at the University of Bosaso Garowe is not only a home for ideas but also a dynamic hub where those ideas are tested, nurtured, and transformed into action. Through its carefully designed services, CADIR provides both academic and practical support to students, institutions, and communities.These services go beyond the classroom, aiming to build capacities, promote accountability, and encourage innovation in ways that directly respond to Somalia’s social, political, and economic realities. Below are the centre’s key services, presented with their purpose and value.
At the heart of any successful program is the ability to measure whether it is truly making a difference. CADIR provides monitoring and evaluation (M&E) services that go beyond routine reporting. The centre designs evaluation frameworks, conducts field assessments, and generates evidence that shows not only what has been achieved, but also what needs improvement.By applying participatory methods, CADIR ensures that community voices are heard alongside donor expectations. Whether it is an education project in Puntland, a governance program at district level, or a climate adaptation initiative in rural areas, the M&E service strengthens accountability, learning, and impact measurement. In Somalia’s fragile context, this role is critical because it builds trust between donors, implementers, and the communities they serve.
One of CADIR’s strongest pillars is its dedication to student support and mentorship. Recognizing that young people are the future of Somalia, the center provides more than academic instruction. it offers guidance, career advice, and personal development opportunities. Mentorship programs connect students with experienced professionals, creating pathways for learning and networking. Academic support includes research guidance, proposal writing, and access to learning resources.At the personal level, CADIR helps students develop confidence, leadership skills, andresilience to navigate challenges inside and outside the university. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable, but also prepared for professional and civic life.
CADIR also plays a critical role in supporting institutions and organizations to become stronger and more effective. Through its strategy and organizational development services, the center assists in designing long-term visions, formulating policies, and building operational systems that foster sustainability. This includes helping local government authorities improve service delivery, supporting NGOs to strengthen internal governance, and guiding educational institutions in strategic planning. In a country like Somalia, where institutional fragility is a major barrier to development, CADIR’s work in organizational development provides stability, efficiency, and credibility.
Training is one of CADIR’s most visible contributions. The center designs tailored training programs that respond to the specific needs of its partners. These may include workshops on project management, seminars on peacebuilding and governance, or technical sessions on research methodology and data analysis. The aim is always the same: to enhance skills, build competencies, and support institutional growth.By combining classroom-based training with hands-on mentorship, CADIR ensures that knowledge is not only transferred but also applied in practice. Over time, these programs contribute to a stronger workforce capable of driving Somalia’s development.
CADIR is first and foremost a research driven institution. Its research and policy analysis services are designed to produce evidence that can shape better decisions. The centre conducts studies in governance, peace and security, education, climate change, and socioeconomic development. Policy analysis ensures that findings are not left in academic reports but translated into practical recommendations.For example, research on inter-clan land disputes can be turned into policy briefs for government ministries, while studies on higher education can inform curriculum reforms. Through this work, CADIR serves as a bridge between evidence and policy, ensuring that decisions are based on facts, not assumptions.
CADIR is deeply committed to encouraging entrepreneurship among youth and students. Recognizing that formal employment opportunities are limited; entrepreneurship becomes a pathway to both self-reliance and national development. The centre promotes innovation and creativity through entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and incubation support. Students and young professionals are encouraged to design business ideas, test them in CADIR’s innovation labs, and develop them into viable enterprises. Through this service, CADIR empowers the next generation to not only seek jobs but to create them.
Beyond training, CADIR provides innovation hub and tech labs where young people can experiment with ideas, test prototypes, and collaborate across disciplines. These labs offer access to digital tools, software, and professional mentorship. Additionally, the incubation program nurtures promising startups with business guidance, workspace, and connections to investors or grant opportunities. By doing this, CADIR contributes to building a knowledge-driven economy where Somali youth become creators of solutions, not passive recipients of aid. The centre will also incubate other youth-led initiatives, supporting creativity and entrepreneurship beyond startups, ensuring that a wider range of young innovators benefit from CADIR’s resources and networks.
Finally, CADIR recognizes that knowledge must be shared to have an impact. Through its knowledge management and publication services, the Centre ensures that lessons, findings, and insights are documented and disseminated widely. CADIR publishes working papers, policy briefs, newsletters, and academic journals in both Somali and English. It also organizes conferences, seminars, and roundtables to bring stakeholders together for dialogue. This creates a culture of learning, where information is not hidden in reports but actively used to influence practice and policy.