PSDO and the Somaliland National Museum Explore a Strategic Partnership

Five PSDO team members standing in front of the Somaliland National Museum sign

20 October 2026 · Hargeisa, Somaliland

The PSDO delegation at the entrance of the Somaliland National Museum, Hargeisa. Photo: Abdiqani Adam

The leadership of Pillar Social Development Organization (PSDO) met the Director General of the Somaliland National Museum in Hargeisa to explore a strategic collaboration that brings together community development, the diaspora and the preservation of Somaliland’s cultural heritage.

The meeting took place in the boardroom of the museum’s headquarters. It was co-chaired by Mr. Abdirisak Mohamed Farah (Gavo), Director General of the Somaliland National Museum, and Mr. Abdifatah Ali Axmed, General Director of PSDO. The PSDO delegation also included Executive Director Mr. Ali Awale, Programme Manager Mr. Ahmed Jama, Procurement Coordinator Dr. Abdiqani Adan and Outreach Coordinator Mr. Suldan Shaafi Axmed.

Opening the meeting, the Director General welcomed the PSDO team and stressed that partnerships with specialised civil society organisations are vital to turning the museum from a physical monument into an active civic and educational hub.

PSDO and Somaliland National Museum leaders seated around a boardroom table beneath the national emblem — PSDO and Somaliland National Museum leadership in discussion at the museum’s headquarters boardroom, Hargeisa. Photo: Abdiqani Adam

Where development meets heritage

Speaking on behalf of PSDO, General Director Abdifatah Ali Axmed presented the organisation’s background and its participatory approach to community resilience, local social development and grassroots mobilisation. He pointed to clear areas where community-based development and cultural preservation can support each other.

The Director General shared the history of the museum’s development and the government’s vision in building a modern facility to preserve Somaliland’s historical legacy. The museum has since become a foundation of national heritage and education. He also updated the delegation on the museum’s growing network of collaborations with international agencies and development bodies on professional training and cultural-peace infrastructure.

Engaging the diaspora

A central theme of the discussion was the role of the diaspora beyond tourism. Participants explored structured ways for diaspora communities to contribute to the museum, including the repatriation of artefacts, digital archiving and long-term heritage preservation grants. PSDO, established in 2010 by members of the Somali diaspora in Canada together with local representatives and staff, offered its communication and outreach channels to help connect museum initiatives with diaspora networks.

A man reading a tall exhibition panel on Somaliland history in a museum hall — A member of the PSDO delegation reads an exhibition panel on Somaliland’s history. Photo: Abdiqani Adam

Building capacity together

Programme Manager Ahmed Jama noted that the museum’s active departments, including Collection Management, Educational Outreach and Digital Archiving, offer direct entry points for PSDO to support capacity building, staff workflow alignment and programme co-management. He also confirmed PSDO’s readiness to meet the project execution, resource management and compliance standards required for programmes linked to international donor frameworks.

The Director General formally welcomed a partnership with PSDO, stating that the museum’s doors are open to local civil society organisations able to design inclusive public programmes, community workshops and joint development proposals.

A tour of the collections

After the meeting, the Director General led the PSDO delegation on a guided tour of the museum. The team visited the main exhibition spaces, the catalogued historical collections and the active preservation departments, and looked at the facility layout to identify locations for future joint civic events and educational installations.

Two men looking at a glass display case of traditional woven items — Members of the PSDO delegation view a display of traditional woven items during the guided tour. Photo: Abdiqani Adam

A framed painting of a rural scene with camels, goats, traditional aqal houses and people in a green landscape. — A painting in the museum’s collection depicting pastoral life in Somaliland. Photo: Abdiqani Adam

A framed painting of a large white historic building with blue arched windows, with a green truck and people on the street. — A painting of a historic town scene on display at the museum. Photo: Abdiqani Adam

A framed painting of a raised fist shaped like a map of regions, above the Somaliland flag, against a desert sunrise. — A painting celebrating Somaliland’s regions and flag, part of the museum’s art collection. Photo: Abdiqani Adam

The wooden frame of a traditional aqal, a portable pastoralist home, on display in a museum

Next steps

The meeting closed with a shared commitment to turn the concepts discussed into formal organisational goals. PSDO looks forward to working with the Somaliland National Museum to connect communities, young people and the diaspora with the heritage that shapes Somaliland’s identity.

The frame of a traditional aqal, the portable home of Somaliland’s pastoralist communities, on display at the museum. Photo: Abdiqani Adam

Organisations and individuals interested in supporting heritage and community programmes with PSDO are welcome to get in touch.