SPA Research: “Informing Governance through Rigorous Research and Analysis”
Somali Public Agenda (SPA) is a non-profit public policy and governance research organization dedicated to advancing inclusive and accountable governance in Somalia. Since its founding in 2018, SPA has emerged as a trusted source of independent, accessible, and context-specific research and analysis. The organization’s research and analytical work spans across research reports, policy papers, governance briefs, commentaries, and, more recently, public opinion polling through SPA Polls.
In a context where public policy and institutional reforms often lack grounded data and public input, SPA bridges the gap by providing evidence-based insights that reflect the realities and priorities of Somali communities.
SPA Research’s knowledge production and analytical outputs serves as a central and strategic pillar of Somali Public Agenda’s work. Its mission is “Informing Governance through Rigorous Research and Analysis”
SPA Research aims to:
that informs governance reforms, institutional development, and public policy in Somalia.
by reflecting public experiences and perspectives in governance discourse.
that guide policymakers, civil society, and development partners.
by investing in local researchers and capacity building.
SPA Polls: “Capturing Somali Voices, Shaping Public Agenda”
Somali Public Agenda (SPA) launched SPA Polls in July 2025 under its SPA Research program. SPA Polls aims to generate reliable, context-specific data on public attitudes across Somalia. In doing so, it supports evidence-based decision-making, strengthens democratic governance, and promotes inclusive public dialogue.
Through SPA Polls, SPA reinforces its commitment to producing high-quality research and expanding access to timely, relevant data that can inform policy and enhance accountability.
SPA Research encompasses a range of knowledge products, each serving a unique purpose within SPA’s mission:
Comprehensive, evidence-based studies examining key governance and policy issues such as decentralization, democratization and elections, financial governance, public service delivery, justice, and security. These reports draw on qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including fieldwork.
Concise documents offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, based on the findings of SPA research. These are written in a practical and accessible format to guide decision-making processes.
Timely and focused analyses of emerging governance developments, legislation, institutional shifts, or policy debates in Somalia.
Thought-provoking opinion pieces authored by SPA researchers that provide expert analysis on governance and political issues from a Somali perspective.
Yearly publications that summarize SPA’s contributions over the year, and assess the impact of SPA’s work on public policies. The SPA Annual Report also reinforces SPA’s transparency and accountability as a think and action organization.
Deputy Executive Director & Research Director
Deputy Executive Director & Research Director
Director, SPA Policy Lab
Director, SPA Policy Lab
Researcher & MEL Coordinator
Researcher & MEL Coordinator
Researcher
Researcher
More than a decade into the implementation of Somalia’s federal project, aspirations to decentralize fiscal and service delivery powers to local governments remain unrealized. Similarly, the federal project has yet
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Somali Public Agenda (SPA) is a non-profit, non-partisan, and independent public policy and administration research and action organization based in Mogadishu. It aims to advance understanding and improvement of public policy and services in Somalia through evidence-based research and analysis, dialogue, policy and service design, and training.
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