About
About RIO Center
A multidisciplinary institution established to become a leading center for research, innovation, professional skills development, and community service in Somalia.
RIO Center is a multidisciplinary institution established to become a leading center for research, innovation, professional skills development, and community service in Somalia.
The Center responds to the growing need to bring together universities, research institutions, government agencies, private companies, civil society organizations, professionals, and young people. Through cooperation and knowledge sharing, these stakeholders can better understand existing challenges and develop practical solutions based on research, evidence, technology, and innovation.
RIO Center is not simply a training institution. It is a platform where ideas are developed, researchers are empowered, young people are supported, and projects with measurable social impact are designed and implemented.
Institutional affiliation
RIO Center is an official center of Jobkey University Somalia. The Center works closely with the faculties, academic departments, students, lecturers, researchers, and administrative units of the University, and develops partnerships with national and international institutions that share its commitment to research, innovation, professional development, entrepreneurship, and community transformation.
What RIO stands for
- Research
- High-quality research that improves understanding of social, economic, educational, technological, health, and institutional challenges.
- Innovation
- New ideas, technologies, products, services, and approaches that address institutional and community needs.
- Outreach
- Extending knowledge, research, training, and development services to communities and underserved groups.
How we work
An eight-stage approach
Every project, programme, and consultancy assignment follows the same disciplined path.
- 1
Discover
Understand the problem, need, challenge, or opportunity.
- 2
Research
Collect and analyse relevant data and evidence.
- 3
Design
Develop an appropriate solution, project, programme, or service.
- 4
Test
Pilot and test the proposed idea or solution.
- 5
Implement
Deliver the project, programme, service, or intervention.
- 6
Evaluate
Assess performance, results, outcomes, and impact.
- 7
Improve
Use feedback and lessons learned to strengthen the solution.
- 8
Scale
Expand successful, effective, and sustainable solutions.
Why RIO Center
What makes the Center different
Integrated services
Research, innovation, training, consultancy, entrepreneurship, and outreach under one institution.
Practical learning
Exercises, case studies, projects, and real-world application — not theory alone.
Local understanding
We understand the realities, needs, and opportunities of Somalia.
Academic connection
Affiliated with Jobkey University Somalia and its institutional resources.
Professional experts
Researchers, lecturers, consultants, entrepreneurs, and development professionals.
Youth-centred
A platform where young people learn, test ideas, and build networks.
Community impact
We measure how our work improves institutions and communities.
Partnership-oriented
Collaboration at local, national, regional, and international levels.
Departments
Nine departments, one Center
Each department owns a distinct part of RIO Center's mandate.
Who we serve
Built for everyone working on Somalia's development
- University students
- Graduates
- Lecturers
- Researchers
- Young people
- Women
- Entrepreneurs
- Startups
- Government ministries
- Public institutions
- Universities
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Private companies
- Civil society organizations
- Non-governmental organizations
- Development partners
- Somali diaspora professionals
- Local communities
Leadership
Who leads the Center
Eng. Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamud
Director, Research, Innovation & Outreach Center
Eng. Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamud provides strategic leadership and direction for RIO Center, implementing the Center's strategic plan, planning and supervising programs, developing partnerships, expanding consultancy services, and overseeing research and innovation. He represents RIO Center and maintains coordination between Jobkey University and external stakeholders.
Working with
- Jobkey University Somalia
- Federal Government of Somalia
- Banadir Regional Administration
- United Nations Agencies
- Somali Chamber of Commerce
- Somali Diaspora Professionals Network