EST.1999, Ethiopia

Empowering communities, shaping brighter futures.

We're dedicated to creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and prosper.

What we do
Years of service
27+Years of service
Projects completed
400+Projects completed
01Know about us

Creating lasting change through trust and action

At OWDA, we are committed to upholding the trust you place in us, recognizing that trust is the foundation of our work. As a nonprofit organization, we are deeply dedicated to making a meaningful and tangible impact on the lives of those in need. Our mission is rooted in the belief that collective action can transform challenges into opportunities, and we are driven by the responsibility to foster long-term, sustainable change through our diverse programs and initiatives.

Whether it's providing access to education, healthcare, or resources for economic empowerment, we strive to uplift individuals and entire communities. With your support, we can continue building a brighter future for people around the world, offering hope and creating pathways to prosperity.

Learn more
The OWDA team outside the organization's offices
OWDA has worked alongside communities across Ethiopia since 1999.
Our partners

Delivered together with 30 institutional partners

  • HEKS
  • German Cooperation
  • Arche Nova
  • Medec
  • WFP
  • Denan Project
  • Gavi
  • WHO
  • Education Development
  • CORE
  • Cordaid
  • King
  • UNOPS
  • KfW
  • Save the Children
  • Deaconess
  • UNICEF
  • UNFPA
  • EHF
  • Geneva Global
  • UK Aid
  • Norwegian Church Aid
  • USAID
  • Islamic Relief
  • Mercy Corps
  • NRC
  • Humedica
  • UNHCR
  • IOM UN Migration
  • Women's Hope International
02What we do

Transforming lives with innovation and compassion

We introduce innovative solutions in WASH, education, child protection, health and nutrition, and livelihoods to uplift and enhance the lives of Ethiopia's most at-risk populations.

  1. 01

    Education and Child Protection Sector

    We ensure access to quality education and protect vulnerable children from harm and exploitation.

  2. 02

    Food Security and Livelihood Sector

    We promote sustainable solutions to combat hunger and improve livelihoods for families in need.

  3. 03

    WASH & ESNFI Sector

    We provide clean water, sanitation, and essential non-food items to enhance health and hygiene.

  4. 04

    Health & Nutrition Sector

    We deliver vital healthcare services and nutrition support to improve the well-being of communities.

An OWDA field worker with community members
04Our impact

Every zone of the Somali Regional State

OWDA actively operates across every zone within the Somali Regional State, striving to guarantee that our programs not only reach but also provide critical assistance to the most marginalized and vulnerable communities. By addressing the unique needs of these underserved populations, we ensure that no community is left behind, reinforcing our commitment to equitable and inclusive support throughout the entire region.

Zones of operation

  1. Siti
  2. Fafan
  3. Jarar
  4. Nogob
  5. Doolo
  6. Korahe
  7. Shabelle
  8. Afder
  9. Liben
Head office, Addis Ababa
Map of Ethiopia showing the nine zones of the Somali Regional State where OWDA operates: Siti, Fafan, Jarar, Nogob, Doolo, Korahe, Shabelle, Afder and Liben, each marked with the OWDA symbol, with the head office marked in Addis Ababa.
06Leadership

The people leading our work

Full team
Omer Abdullahi Hersi, Executive Director
Executive Director

Omer Abdullahi Hersi

Leads OWDA overall, setting strategy, representing the organisation to donors and government, and accountable to the Board of Directors and General Assembly for delivery across every programme.

Muhidin Jemal Ahmed, Program Manager
Program Manager

Muhidin Jemal Ahmed

Oversees the design and delivery of OWDA's programmes across education, health and nutrition, WASH and livelihoods, from proposal through implementation to reporting.

Mohammud Mohammed Hussein, Regional Manager
Regional Manager

Mohammud Mohammed Hussein

Runs field operations across the Somali Regional State, coordinating the zone offices, field teams and the day to day relationships with regional and woreda authorities.

Empowering communities, shaping brighter futures.