Balqiis is a non-partisan think-and-do tank dedicated to advancing peace, security, and human rights for communities in the Horn of Africa, with the belief that addressing fundamental challenges that drive insecurity and injustice such as the climate crisis can enhance regional stability and well-being. Our mission is to drive transformative outcomes across four strategic areas:
- Participation and leadership
- Protection and rights
- Resilience and adaptation
- Governance, institutional integrity, and reform
We offer a range of services that include conducting research, running opinion polls, and developing policy briefs, all of which aim to inform and shape public discourse and influence policy at all levels. We maintain the reach and effectiveness of our engagement and community relations by utilizing new-age media and digital outreach platforms. Additionally, our educational initiatives—which include coaching, training, and mentoring—are another way to make an impact and empower and elevate community and policy discussions.
Integrity, transparency, and honesty are the cornerstones of our business practices. Along with these principles, valuing diverse viewpoints and perspectives is key to our operations, producing effective solutions that can lead to transformative outcomes. Grounded in these values, our approach to problem-solving is fueled by our passion for seeking creativity and precision to address complex challenges in our industry.
We work closely with partners to achieve shared goals and optimize our strategies and processes to meet the specific needs of those we serve. Our foundational principles—honesty, accountability, curiosity, transformation, transparency—guide our efforts to create civic spaces for critical thinking and strategic influence.
Founded with a vision of long-term impact, Balqiis is committed to discovering, designing, and delivering solutions that not only address immediate challenges but also contribute to lasting societal resilience and prosperity.
Our Team
Meet the dedicated individuals leading Balqiis, committed to driving transformative outcomes in the Horn of Africa.
Samiya Gaid
Chief Executive Officer
Ms. Samiya Gaid, a founding director of Balqiis, is a seasoned program design expert and gender specialist with over twenty years of experience. She provides strategic and commercial oversight across the company, driven by her passion for contributing to positive change. (More ->)
Hassan Mudane
Head of Programs
Hassan is an international politics researcher and Horn of Africa analyst with over nine years of experience in academia, youth leadership, community engagement, and government administration. (More ->)
Dawud Abdirahman
Head of Strategic Initiatives
Dawud is a management professional specializing in strategy management with over 15 years of experience leading and managing teams. At Balqiis, he provides strategic direction for the company’s portfolio. (More ->)
Samira A. Gaid
Head of Research & Policy
Samira, another founding director of Balqiis, is a leading regional analyst with over two decades of professional experience in the Horn of Africa, including a decade working at the highest levels of Somalia’s national security architecture. (More ->)
Ahmed Abdihadi
Head of Participation & Leadership
Ahmed Abdihadi is an experienced expert in civic engagement and political participation with a strong focus on political analysis, state-society relations, and government administration. (More ->)
Wilo Abdulle
Head of Protection & Rights
Wilo is a distinguished social protection and gender expert with a wealth of experience in human rights, gender equality, and community development. (More ->)
Adam Ware
Head of Institutional Integrity & Reform
Adam is a seasoned HR professional with over ten years of experience in human capital development, strategic management, and project management. (More ->)