Alight in action

in Somalia

202K+

obtained access to health care

77K+

received water, sanitation, and hygiene services

22K+

received prevention and care for violence against women and children

Founding year
2010
Customers served
Somalis
Enterprise Executive Director
Adan Adar
Follow Alight enterprise
Challenge

The Somali Peninsula is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, driven by the worst drought in over four decades and compounded by environmental changes. Since 2021, more than 4 million Somalis have been displaced, and many are experiencing severe hunger due to repeated failed rainy seasons. Dependent on farming and herding, communities have lost their livelihoods – while floods, conflict, and a collapsing health system have deepened the crisis. Most of the population is under the age of 30 – and have only known instability – so there are urgent needs for education, job opportunities, and long-term support. As access to clean water, health care, and safety remains limited, over 1 million Somalis have taken refuge in neighboring countries.

Response

Alight is responding to urgent needs across the Somali Peninsula by delivering lifesaving services and building long-term resilience. Over the past year, more than 988,000 people received free, quality health and nutrition care; 208,000 gained access to safe water and sanitation; and 127,000 benefited from prevention and care services for violence against women and children. Alight also supported 18,200 school children with education, meals, and clean water, and provided vocational training to over 2,500 youth. To ensure sustainable water access, Alight is upgrading water sources, installing solar-powered systems, and training community-led committees to manage and maintain the infrastructure.

Smile of success

Jubba Agri-Fresh Ltd, Somalia’s first women-led tomato processing business in Jubaland, is a powerful example of how community-driven, female-led initiatives can drive economic growth and food security. Supported by Alight and partners, the enterprise reduces reliance on imports, creates jobs, and empowers women with training and ownership. “We’re not just processing tomatoes—we’re processing change. This is about food, dignity, and futures for our families,” says Saadia, one of the enterprise leaders.

Mobilizing a Love Army for Somalia

After famine was declared in Somalia in 2017, social media creator Jerome Jarre and a group of influencers launched a campaign called #LoveArmyforSomalia to mobilize their followers. They gave them a way to help. And within 72 hours, they raised nearly $3 million for people in Somalia. A movement was born.

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