“I am honored to be recognized as one of the SIMAD alumni featured in the 25th anniversary celebration of this great institution. My story begins in Mogadishu, where I was born and raised. I completed all my education in this city, including my degree in Accounting from SIMAD University. Reflecting on this journey, I realize how far I’ve come and how pivotal SIMAD has been in shaping my career, especially in the challenging circumstances Somalia faced when I was a student.
After graduating from SIMAD, I was fortunate to secure employment despite the country’s high unemployment rate. My first role was with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium, a world-renowned humanitarian organization. Soon after, I joined the International Organization for Migration (IOM), where I spent nearly a decade working in migration and development. One of my key contributions was in the ‘Migration for Development’ project, which focused on building the capacity of the Somali government. Through IOM, we trained government officials, developed key policies, and laid the foundation for several strategies aimed at strengthening Somalia’s governance.
Following my tenure with IOM, I transitioned to a government role as the Minister of Water for Galmudug State. This position allowed me to experience Somalia’s diverse cultural and political landscapes firsthand. I lived among communities, elders, and vulnerable populations, understanding the complexities of Somali life beyond the capital. During my three years in office, I saw the urgent need to address water scarcity, which often leads to conflicts, particularly in rural areas. I advocated for climate conflict to be recognized as a critical issue in Somalia’s national agenda.
Seeking a broader regional experience, I joined IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) as a regional expert in durable solutions for displacement. After just over a year, I was honored to be appointed IGAD’s Head of Mission to Somalia. In this role, I work to strengthen regional integration across sectors such as economics, peace, and security, always keeping in mind the experiences I’ve gained since my days at SIMAD.”
Impact of SIMAD Education
“When you’re in the thick of things, it’s easy to forget where you started, but I am constantly reminded of SIMAD’s role in shaping my journey. The skills and knowledge I gained from SIMAD laid the foundation for everything that followed. The opportunities we had as students—discussions, analyses, and hands-on job training—were invaluable. Many of my peers have also gone on to hold high-ranking positions in government, INGOs, and other sectors globally.
SIMAD’s contribution to the region is remarkable, especially in addressing challenges like climate change, which now significantly impacts Somalia and the broader region. I was especially impressed during my recent visit to SIMAD’s iLab and the ICE IGAD Center for Climate, where I saw critical research being conducted to tackle these pressing issues. Research is a vital tool for providing evidence-based solutions for government, donors, and the international community.
The growth SIMAD has undergone since my graduation is truly inspiring. From new campuses to digital innovations and even robotics, SIMAD has evolved into a leading academic institution. The alumni network is active and engaged, and I see immense potential in strengthening the collaboration between the university and its graduates. By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can help build a better future for Somalia.”
Contributing to Governance and Collaboration
“My current role at IGAD has given me a renewed sense of hope for Somalia. The country has made significant strides in governance, with institutions now having their own dedicated offices, and many key laws and policies developed in collaboration with regional organizations like IGAD. While much progress has been made, there is still a lot to be done, particularly in implementing the policies that have been created.
One of the key areas where I see great potential for growth is in the collaboration between academic institutions and organizations like IGAD. Academic research provides critical insights that can drive policy and programmatic decisions. SIMAD is already making important strides in research, and I believe that greater engagement between the university, the government, and organizations like IGAD can produce even more impactful outcomes.”
Reflections and Giving Back
“Looking back on my time at SIMAD and my career, I realize how the challenging experiences shaped me into who I am today. When I was a student, Mogadishu was still engulfed in conflict. Our campus was far from the town center, and we had to walk long distances to reach it, often through dangerous areas where fighting was ongoing. Despite the constant threat of violence, we persevered, and this resilience has shaped our generation of leaders.
Giving back to my community has always been a priority for me. At IOM, I initiated an internship program that paired local university graduates with diaspora professionals returning to Somalia. This program ensured that knowledge and skills were transferred to the next generation, building local capacity even after the diaspora experts completed their assignments. In my role as Minister of Water, I focused on building the capacity of government staff and establishing operational frameworks to ensure long-term sustainability for the ministry.
Throughout my career, my goal has always been to contribute meaningfully to Somalia’s recovery and development. Whether through government, humanitarian work, or now with IGAD, I remain committed to building a brighter future for our country, and I am proud to have started my journey at SIMAD University.”
Ambassador Mohamud Abdi Ahmed’s story is a powerful testament to the lasting impact of SIMAD University’s education and its ability to shape leaders who go on to make significant contributions to Somalia and beyond. As SIMAD celebrates 25 years of impact, his journey from a student in Mogadishu to IGAD’s Head of Mission exemplifies the profound influence that education and perseverance can have on an individual and a nation.
