Skills Active Forward (SAF-UK) is a registered local NGO in Somalia, established to respond to the growing humanitarian and development needs of vulnerable communities. Founded in 2010, SAF-UK has evolved from an international affiliation into a fully Somali-led and community-rooted organization, guided by principles of neutrality, transparency, and inclusiveness.
With a presence in Mogadishu, Kismayo, Baidoa, and Galkacyo, SAF-UK serves communities across southern and central Somalia through long-term programs in health, nutrition, education, climate resilience, WASH, food security, and livelihoods.
To protect lives, promote self-reliance, and empower vulnerable populations through inclusive, locally driven humanitarian and development initiatives.
A Somalia free from poverty, where every community thrives with dignity, equity, and opportunity.
Skills Active Forward (SAF-UK) was officially registered in 2018 as a non-governmental organization in Somalia, founded with the mission to address critical humanitarian and development challenges affecting vulnerable communities.
Between 2018 and 2021, SAF-UK implemented numerous humanitarian projects funded by partners such as UN-OCHA, WFP, UNICEF, and WHO, earning recognition for its accountability, community engagement, and quality implementation.
In 2022, SAF-UK underwent a major organizational transformation, officially transitioning from an internationally affiliated structure into a fully Somali-led and nationally registered NGO. This shift marked a significant milestone in our journey — symbolizing a firm commitment to localization, Somali ownership, and sustainable development driven by local expertise.
At SAF-UK, our identity is built on three core pillars that guide everything we do:
Somali-Led & Community-Rooted
We are a fully Somali-led organization embedded in the communities we serve, ensuring local knowledge drives sustainable solutions.
Women-Led & Equity-Focused
As a proudly women-led NGO, we champion gender equality at all levels, from our leadership team to every program we deliver.
Bridging Aid & Development
We connect immediate humanitarian response with long-term development, helping communities move from crisis to self-reliance.
Driven by integrity and deep community partnerships, we create lasting change that starts locally and grows sustainably.
