Somali diaspora

For decades, Somalia has been among the most conflict prone countries in the world. Its people continue to face multiple challenges, including political insecurity, conflict, natural disasters such as drought, flooding, and cyclones.

Somalis are considered among the most dispersed migrant groups worldwide, with more than 10% - or 2 million - of its population living outside Somalia. Somali diaspora communities play a crucial role in providing aid, relief measures and sharing information on migration for women and men left behind. Remittances are estimated to be between USD $1.3 – 2bn per year, with some 40 % of households in the country estimated to receive these transfers for sustaining their basic needs. 

Our work with the Somali diaspora 

Our work with the Somali diaspora is guided by considering the local circumstances they are operating in, as well as the nature and dynamics of their engagement. Why is this important?  
The Somali diaspora is diverse. Their engagement towards Somalia is based on different motivations, positions, and clan-affiliations. Most significantly, it is personal. Therefore, our programming with diasporas does not follow a one-size fits all approach. It is based on social, cultural, and local contexts.  
We aim to support and strengthen Somali diasporas capacities in two areas: Humanitarian response, economic recovery, and durable solutions. More than 160 Somali diaspora networks have received either financial or technical support through our different projects over the past two decades. We currently focus on supporting Somali networks during the drought, facilitating a safe space for networking, capacity building for fundraising or project development and conducting research about Somali diaspora humanitarianism. 

Nasra's story from the Diaspora Business Entrepreneurs video series

Watch the whole series in English here!
Watch the whole series in Somali here!

Projects related to Somali diaspora

Pathways to Protection

Diaspora Led Protection Information

Pathways to Protection: Project Brief in ENG and FR

Two years into the Sudan conflict: How DRC’s Protection Program is holding the line amid…

DRC HEAT Kenya

Private foundations

Forced back and left behind: Conditions for urban returnees and the urgent need for local…

Durable Solutions Monitoring Toolkit link - Ethiopia

No place like home? Multisectoral support for forced returnees in Western Afghanistan

Unprepared for re-integration

Global Displacement Forecast

Sudan: Communal kitchens deliver meals to hundreds of households

Access to medical care for earthquake survivors in Kunar

Global Displacement Forecast 2026

Institutional donors

DiPS - Diaspora Project Support

Diaspora Capacity Statements

Enhancing the safety and resilience of communities through humanitarian mine action…

Ukraine: Surviving years under occupation and shelling, Kateryna finds peace in sewing

Ukraine: Keeping the lights on where the frontline is near

Forgotten Survivors: New DRC Report Reveals Systematic Failure to Assist Gaza’s Explosive…

Anticipatory Action

Stories from the Field: Elevating women-led ownership of GBV response and prevention in…

Ukraine: Stigma toward persons with disabilities and survivors of explosive ordnance

Ukraine: Conflict Sensitivity Report — Kharkiv Oblast

Contact us

AHEAD Model background info, forecast reports, etc.

PRESS RELEASE: Wars targeting civilians and rising insecurity to force 4.2 million to…

DRC Standby Roster

Nertiti youth are building peace in Sudan

Three years of conflict in Sudan: civilians remain trapped in a deepening protection…

Ukraine: Home renovations for at-risk families — practical aid, lasting Impact

Mine Awareness Day: Explosive ordnance remains one of the deadliest legacies of war

How one risk education session empowered a girl to save lives

A ceasefire that abandons Lebanon is no effective ceasefire

Turning barriers into business: Fatima’s art workshop in Şanlıurfa

From two days to one hour: The hope Aslı rebuilt

Local solutions, lasting impact: Advancing water access in Sudan

Gender-responsive market integration in post-displacement Türkiye

Building resilience amidst change: How BRIDGES supports communities in Türkiye

DRC HEAT Kenya

Capacity Development of Diaspora Organisations

Protecting refugee rights on the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention

DRC Standby Roster Annual Reports

The ABIA Health Zone: with the right support, rebuilding after crisis is possible

Global Displacement Forecast Report 2026 Launch

¿Por qué la ayuda legal es esencial en contextos de desplazamiento forzado en América…

Anticipatory action reports, assessments, evaluations, etc.

Free2Link comes to an end!

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Current themes in Diaspora Programme

Pathways to Protection

Diaspora Led Protection Information

Pathways to Protection: Project Brief in ENG and FR

Two years into the Sudan conflict: How DRC’s Protection Program is holding the line amid…

DRC HEAT Kenya

Private foundations

Forced back and left behind: Conditions for urban returnees and the urgent need for local…

Durable Solutions Monitoring Toolkit link - Ethiopia

No place like home? Multisectoral support for forced returnees in Western Afghanistan

Unprepared for re-integration

Global Displacement Forecast

Sudan: Communal kitchens deliver meals to hundreds of households

Access to medical care for earthquake survivors in Kunar

Global Displacement Forecast 2026

Institutional donors

DiPS - Diaspora Project Support

Diaspora Capacity Statements

Enhancing the safety and resilience of communities through humanitarian mine action…

Ukraine: Surviving years under occupation and shelling, Kateryna finds peace in sewing

Ukraine: Keeping the lights on where the frontline is near

Forgotten Survivors: New DRC Report Reveals Systematic Failure to Assist Gaza’s Explosive…

Anticipatory Action

Stories from the Field: Elevating women-led ownership of GBV response and prevention in…

Ukraine: Stigma toward persons with disabilities and survivors of explosive ordnance

Ukraine: Conflict Sensitivity Report — Kharkiv Oblast

Contact us

AHEAD Model background info, forecast reports, etc.

PRESS RELEASE: Wars targeting civilians and rising insecurity to force 4.2 million to…

DRC Standby Roster

Nertiti youth are building peace in Sudan

Three years of conflict in Sudan: civilians remain trapped in a deepening protection…

Ukraine: Home renovations for at-risk families — practical aid, lasting Impact

Mine Awareness Day: Explosive ordnance remains one of the deadliest legacies of war

How one risk education session empowered a girl to save lives

A ceasefire that abandons Lebanon is no effective ceasefire

Turning barriers into business: Fatima’s art workshop in Şanlıurfa

From two days to one hour: The hope Aslı rebuilt

Local solutions, lasting impact: Advancing water access in Sudan

Gender-responsive market integration in post-displacement Türkiye

Building resilience amidst change: How BRIDGES supports communities in Türkiye

DRC HEAT Kenya

Capacity Development of Diaspora Organisations

Protecting refugee rights on the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention

DRC Standby Roster Annual Reports

The ABIA Health Zone: with the right support, rebuilding after crisis is possible

Global Displacement Forecast Report 2026 Launch

¿Por qué la ayuda legal es esencial en contextos de desplazamiento forzado en América…

Anticipatory action reports, assessments, evaluations, etc.

Free2Link comes to an end!

Receive new job openings in your inbox

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