About Us
Objective Analysis, Informed Decisions.

AARAN Center for Social and Economic Development is an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit research institute, officially registered with the Federal Government of Somalia. Our work is rooted in offering comprehensive public policy research, focusing on both national and sub-national levels. We provide decision-makers with independent analysis, assist in setting policy agendas, and bridge the gap between knowledge and action. By leveraging deep local expertise, we offer high-quality insights grounded in a Somali perspective.
9
Research Projects Completed
10+
Years of Experience
13
Policy Papers Published
Our Services
Research for Change.
Our core objective is to provide empirical research and consulting services to public and private sector entities. By doing so, we aim to contribute to Somalia’s stability, good governance, and achievement of humanitarian and developmental priorities.
Research and Policy Development
Our research is designed to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods through innovative social and economic research that informs better policy and practice. We specialize in socio-economic research, market intelligence, and the development of national and state laws and regulations. We also benchmark best practices in various sectors to ensure optimal policy frameworks.
Consulting Services
We provide a wide range of consulting services to both public and private entities, covering areas such as business strategy, taxation, economic assessments, social policy, marketing, and sector-specific evaluations. Our insights help clients navigate complex challenges and make informed decisions for sustainable growth.
Public Finance Policy and Management (PFPM)
PFPM is a cornerstone of our work. We aim to enhance efficiency and transparency in areas such as public investment programming, budgeting, expenditure control, revenue management, fiscal federalism, and resource sharing. Our goal is to strengthen the management and allocation of public finances to drive long-term development.
Institutional Capacity-Building
Capacity building and institutional strengthening are integral to our technical support services for public institutions, private organizations, and NGOs. Our objective is to improve governance in Somalia by helping organizations refine their structures, processes, and management capabilities to better fulfill their responsibilities and missions.
Women’s Participation
AARAN Center is dedicated to enhancing women’s participation in decision-making. We conduct gender-focused research and ensure gender considerations are central in all our work. Promoting women’s involvement in politics, legislation, and access to education, healthcare, and social welfare is key to advancing equity and improving development outcomes.
Improving Business Climate
A healthy business environment is crucial for economic growth and poverty reduction. We work directly with entrepreneurs to enhance the domestic business climate, particularly focusing on local production and value-added supply chains, which are key drivers of sustainable economic development.
Research
Browse Articles
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The Forgotten Highway: Mogadishu-Baidoa Corridor
The Mogadishu-Baidoa highway, a critical trade route linking Mogadishu’s port with Somalia’s productive southwest region and onward to Ethiopia and Kenya, is a lifeline for…
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SOMALIA FEDERAL STATES’ TERM EXTENSIONS: A Constitutional Conundrum or Solution?
The regional governments of Somalia—South West, Hirshabelle, Jubbaland, and Galmudug— have extended their terms in office by one year through motions presented to their respective…
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Ending Somalia Election Stalemate and Averting Government Shutdown.
As of March 15, 2022, the election deadline is rapidly approaching and is at risk of being missed, with over 50 parliamentary seats still unfilled.…