During the Somali civil war, as a young girl, Dr. Sadiyo Siad made a prayerful promise to God: if given the opportunity to survive from the war and get the opportunity abroad to receive an education, from zero to the highest level (PhD), she vowed to contribute to rebuilding Somalia, one person and one brick at a time. After completing the first year of her PhD studies in 2011, she returned to Somalia, driven by her unwavering commitment to make a meaningful impact.

     Her philanthropic efforts as the founder and CEO of Eva Organization for Women (EOW-Charity) led her to provide humanitarian aid to victims of drought and famine. While in Somalia, Dr. Siad initiated a pilot project focused on empowering youth and women. Since then, we have operated on a small scale, conducting thorough research in Somalia and extending to other Somali regions, including Hargeisa and Jigjiga in Ethiopia, to understand the issues of unemployment among youth and the financial instability of women.

     Through extensive research on empowerment, education, and employment (the ‘Es’), we discovered that many youths and women suffer from abject poverty. The education system in Somalia fails to prepare learners for the future job market, relying on outdated rote methods that produce graduates who are ill-prepared for the competitive global workplace. In response, Dr. Sadiyo Siad registered Hano Academy in 2014 in Mogadishu, Somalia, with the mission to equip, support, and uplift learners through Professional Development Courses and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), Job Creation, Employment Opportunities and Entrepreneurship.

     In 20216, created Hano Social Innovation Hub, which was rebranded in 2023 as Hano Connect—an innovative ecosystem offering business development services, access to finance, employment opportunities, co-working spaces, private office rentals, commercial shops, a community library, and more.

     For those seeking to enhance their educational potential, Hano Technical University which was established in 2019 offers advanced technical and STEAM education, emphasizing practical, research-driven learning at the university level.

     Hano, is a Somali word meaning ‘Achieve’ or ‘Attain Your Objectives/Potentials,’ represents several social enterprise ventures contributing to Somalia’s economy, employment, peacebuilding, and social development. We believe that providing education and skills training with job security to youth and women is the pathway to safer, more prosperous, and inclusive societies, reducing criminal activities and illegal migration pressures while unlocking economic potential.

     What started as one woman’s mission, based on passion, commitment, legacy, and with a clear vision, has now grown into a thriving network of educational and entrepreneurial initiatives impacting countless lives. Dr. Sadiyo Siad’s dedication laid the foundation for Hano Academy, which has evolved into a beacon of hope and opportunity in Somalia and beyond.

     Today, Hano Academy stands as a testament to the power of individual action transforming into collective impact. Our programs have empowered thousands of youths and women, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to build sustainable futures. The ripple effect of this empowerment is evident in the growing number of successful graduates who have transitioned into meaningful employment, started their own businesses, or continued their education at higher levels.

     Our reach has expanded through partnerships and collaborations with local and international organizations, further strengthening our capacity to effect change. Hano Connect – an ecosystem fosters innovation, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship, offering a supportive environment where new ideas can flourish and businesses can grow. Our business development services have helped numerous start-ups navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, providing mentorship, access to financing, and essential business resources.

     In addition to our focus on education and entrepreneurship, we are deeply committed to cultural heritage preservation and community development. Our research and consultancy services contribute to a broader understanding of social and economic issues, informing policy and practice to create more inclusive and equitable societies.

     Hano Technical University continues to push the boundaries of higher education in Somalia, emphasizing practical, hands-on learning and research-driven approaches. Our students are not only prepared to enter the job market but are also equipped to drive innovation and lead in their respective fields.

     As we look to the future, our vision remains clear: to create a world where every individual has the opportunity to achieve their potential and contribute to the greater good. We are continually exploring new ways to expand our impact, harnessing the power of education, technology, and community to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

     What began as a single initiative has become a movement, fuelled by the collective efforts of passionate individuals, dedicated staff, supportive partners, and resilient communities. Together, we are building a legacy of lasting change, proving that with the right support and opportunities, anyone can achieve greatness.