Rufai Mohamed Salad’s journey with SIMAD University began in 2003, back when it was known as SIMAD Institute. As a young student with a passion for technology, he enrolled in the IT department, eager to gain knowledge in a country that was in the process of rebuilding itself after years of conflict. At the time, resources were limited—there was no electricity at home, and access to technology was scarce—but SIMAD offered a glimmer of hope and opportunity. He successfully completed both a diploma and a bachelor’s degree, laying the foundation for a career that would seamlessly merge his technical expertise with public service.
His time at SIMAD coincided with one of Somalia’s most difficult periods. Just after his graduation in 2007, Mogadishu descended into chaos as Ethiopian forces entered the city, intensifying the conflict. The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) moved its base to Mogadishu, sparking violent clashes between the TFG and the Islamic Courts. The situation was dire, and the absence of public services added to the hardship. One day, a tragic event deeply impacted him—a close colleague was fatally wounded during the conflict, and with no ambulance or emergency services available, they could not get him to a hospital in time. This loss fueled Rufai’s determination to create change.
Motivated by this tragedy, he partnered with a businessman to establish Somalia’s first ambulance service since the Civil War. With support from NationLink, a telecommunications company, they launched Lifeline Africa, an ambulance system aimed at helping the injured. This service was a lifeline for many during the violent upheaval and a source of immense pride for Rufai. It was his first major step toward public service, demonstrating that even in times of darkness, meaningful solutions could be created.
In 2009, Rufai transitioned to public service, becoming the IT Director at the Office of the President. This role marked the beginning of his extensive career in the public sector. Over the years, he took on various leadership roles, eventually moving to the Office of the Prime Minister, where he worked closely with senior officials to help shape the nation’s governance framework. He was instrumental in Somalia’s transition to a federal system and became the first Director of the Department of Federalism and Reconciliation. His responsibilities soon expanded to include coordinating the national reconciliation process, overseeing constitutional reviews, and managing election processes under the Inclusive Politics portfolio.
Despite his growing role in government, Rufai maintained a strong connection to his alma mater, SIMAD University. As his career evolved, he recognized the need to deepen his understanding of public policy to complement his technical background in IT. In response, he returned to SIMAD, which by then had become a full-fledged university offering postgraduate programs. He joined the first cohort of the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program, eager to bridge the gap between his practical government experience and academic knowledge.
During his time in the MPP program, Rufai gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of policy-making. The course content was directly relevant to his daily work at the Office of the Prime Minister, where he was involved in drafting policies on federalism, reconciliation, and constitutional reforms. With four chapters of the constitutional review already approved by parliament, he and his team continued working on Somalia’s unfinished constitution. Additionally, they remained focused on transitioning Somalia from indirect elections to a one-person, one-vote electoral system—a critical goal for the country’s democratic future.
Looking back, Rufai attributes much of his professional success to the opportunities provided by SIMAD University. From his early days as an undergraduate, working tirelessly in SIMAD’s computer labs, to his return as a postgraduate student, SIMAD has been a constant source of growth and inspiration. Over the years, the university has played a vital role in shaping Somalia’s public and private sectors, with more than 80% of leadership positions held by SIMAD graduates. Rufai is proud to be part of a university that has become a true think tank for the nation.
As SIMAD celebrates its 25th anniversary, Rufai reflects on the incredible impact the university has had on Somalia’s development. The institution, born out of necessity during the country’s most challenging years, has become a cornerstone of education and innovation. Its graduates are now leading both government institutions and private enterprises, driving progress in every corner of society.
Rufai’s personal connection to SIMAD remains strong. He frequently visits the university, participates in its events, and shares his experiences from the public sector with current students. He is especially excited about the possibility of SIMAD introducing a doctoral program in the future, hoping to be part of the first cohort, just as he was for the MPP program.
For Rufai Mohamed Salad, the journey from SIMAD student to Director at the Office of the Prime Minister has been deeply fulfilling. He believes that his academic journey and professional experience are interconnected, with SIMAD playing a critical role in shaping both his career and the future of Somalia. As he continues to serve his country, he remains deeply grateful to the university that helped him get there.
Rufai has made an incredible impact on Somalia’s public sector. As a director at the Office of the Prime Minister, he has been instrumental in shaping our nation’s state-building initiatives, focusing on key areas like federalism, reconciliation, and democratization.
His dedication and contributions are truly inspiring! Let’s acknowledge his hard work and commitment to a brighter future for Somalia.
As SIMAD University marks its 25th anniversary, Rufai looks forward to contributing to its legacy for many years to come. He is proud of his association with an institution that has been instrumental in rebuilding Somalia, and he remains committed to both its mission and the nation’s progress.
