ABOUT BAAR RESEARCH

Transforming Evidence Into Action

“BAAR” means search in Somali reflecting our mission to uncover answers to complex questions and translate them into clear, actionable strategies.

Who We Are

Established in 2020, BAAR Research is a multidisciplinary consulting firm operating across Somalia (including Somaliland) and the Somali region of Ethiopia, with a proven ability to access hard-to-reach areas. We collaborate with governments, international organizations and local communities to design and implement research, strategies and projects that drive lasting change. Our expertise spans research, policy development, institutional strengthening, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity building.
Our contributions include pivotal national frameworks such as Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (NTP 2025–2029), the Somali National Climate Finance Policy (2025) and the National Climate Finance Strategy (2025), alongside major evaluations including the World Bank’s Somalia 10-Year Country Programme Evaluation (2023). We leverage a diverse network of professionals and extensive local connections, ensuring our work is technically sound, culturally grounded and relevant to the communities it serves.

BAAR at a Glance

  • Established — 2020
  • Headquarters — Mogadishu, Somalia
  • Countries — Somalia (incl. Somaliland) & Ethiopia; associate network in Kenya
  • Languages — Somali, English, Arabic & Swahili
  • Services — Research, MEL, Policy Advisory, Institutional Development, Capacity Building, Communications
  • Clients — Governments, UN Agencies, NGOs, Development Partners, Private Sector
OUR STORY

From First Question to Regional Reach

BAAR, the Somali word for “search,” reflects our belief that meaningful development begins with asking the right questions and seeking the truth.

2020

BAAR Research founded in Mogadishu.

2021–22

Established field and advisory networks across Somalia and Somaliland.

2023–24

Deepened partnership, institutional and policy engagements at federal and state level.

2025

Key contributions to the Somalia NTP, national climate finance frameworks and the Galmudug Transformation Plan.

Today

Regional associate network extending into Kenya and Ethiopia.
VISION

Where We Are Heading

To be the Horn of Africa’s most trusted research and advisory partner, delivering evidence that informs policy, strengthens institutions and transforms communities.
MISSION

What Drives Us

BAAR Research empowers governments, development partners and communities across the Horn of Africa to achieve sustainable development outcomes. We provide rigorous research, strategic advisory services, institutional strengthening and innovative learning — delivering impartial insights and practical support to navigate complex environments.
CORE VALUES

What Guides Our Work

Client Centric

We provide efficient and effective solutions, ensuring our products and services consistently add tangible value to our clients' systems, processes and outcomes.

Value Delivery

We conduct business with integrity, transparency and responsibility — prioritizing our clients' needs and building trust through ethical practices.

Integrity

Our clients are our foremost priority. We cultivate productive partnerships by consistently earning their trust and respect.

Social Impact

We aspire to be a catalyst for positive change within the communities we serve, contributing to meaningful social impact in all our endeavors.

WHERE WE WORK

On-the-Ground Presence

Core Operating Countries

Somalia (including Somaliland) and Ethiopia, with field networks embedded in remote and hard-to-access areas — ensuring consistent on-the-ground presence.

Extended Associate Network

Kenya and Ethiopia, broadening our operational reach across the Horn of Africa and supporting local, national and regional engagements.
OUR APPROACH

How We Get to the Right Answer

01 · Engage

Contextual understanding — we engage directly with individuals and environments in the field, gathering insights from the ground up.

02 · Analyze

Evidence-based insights — rigorous research, monitoring and evaluation to clarify what works, what needs improvement, and why.

03 · Investigate

Fact-finding — we help clients identify the dynamics, tensions and opportunities that shape outcomes at the local level.

04 · Partner

Sustainable partnerships — we cultivate long-term client relationships, recognizing that sustained collaboration fosters lasting impact.

OUR PEOPLE

Our Core Team

A team of highly skilled consultants with an in-depth understanding of the intricate dynamics of the East and Horn of Africa region.

Muzzamil Abdi

Founder / Research Director
Senior Somali researcher with a 15-year career spanning stabilization, state building, food security and livelihoods, peace and conflict, and security and justice in the Horn of Africa. His expertise extends to Kenya, Ethiopia and Mozambique, with work for Saferworld, LPI, Mercy Corps, INSO and ODI. Fellow at the Salzburg Global Seminar in Austria.

Saadia Isack

Communication & Research Specialist
A decade of professional experience in communications, policy development and advocacy, working with the United Nations, government agencies and non-governmental organizations operating in Somalia — contributing significantly to peace and governance initiatives across the region.

Hafsa Hussein

Gender Specialist
Gender Specialist with a decade-long career in project management, specializing in GBV and SEA. Holds an MA in Counseling Psychology from Daystar University, Nairobi. Her expertise covers policy and strategy development, M&E, training, facilitation and advocacy, with extensive collaboration with governments, NGOs and civil society in Kenya and Somalia.

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