About Datashiil

About Datashiil Consultancy Firm

We bridge international best practice with deep local knowledge — translating complex institutional challenges into actionable, evidence-based solutions.

Executive overview

Somalia's specialist in data, MEAL and education systems

Datashiil Consultancy Firm is a Somali-owned, Mogadishu-headquartered consultancy specialising in data management, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL), and digital systems development for governance, education and humanitarian institutions across Somalia.

Datashiil was born out of a recognised need: Somalia's development sector was generating vast amounts of data but lacked the specialised capacity to collect it rigorously, manage it securely, analyse it meaningfully and use it for decisions. Our founders — data scientists, development specialists and education experts — came together to change this.

Our early work in education data management and out-of-school children tracking showed that world-class data solutions are achievable in Somalia. Today we are trusted by CARE, Creative Associates International, DT Global, SOS Children's Villages, the Federal Ministry of Education and Federal Member State ministries.

“Data is not just numbers — it is the foundation upon which better futures are built. Every dataset we manage, every system we build, every analysis we deliver is a step toward a more informed, more effective, and more equitable Somalia.”
— Datashiil Leadership

Our mission · Our vision

Our mission

To empower organisations with accurate, timely and innovative data solutions that drive sustainable institutional growth and measurable development impact.

Our vision

A Somalia where every institutional decision is informed by reliable, ethical and inclusive data.

Core values

Our core values

  • Integrity

    Unwavering ethical standards, full ownership of our work, and strict adherence to laws, donor rules and professional standards.

  • Rigour

    Pilot-tested tools, real-time validation, dual-analyst review and documented corrective actions on every engagement.

  • Inclusion

    Gender-responsive, disability-inclusive and conflict-sensitive practice that ensures marginalised voices are heard.

  • Confidentiality

    Informed consent, anonymisation, encryption and role-based access protect every participant and every dataset.

  • Continuous learning

    After-action reviews on every project, updated procedures, and client feedback built back into how we work.

Methodology

Methodology and approach

  1. 1

    Context-first design

    Primary stakeholder consultation, document review, field visits and power analysis precede every recommendation.

  2. 2

    Evidence-based decision-making

    OECD-DAC, USAID ADS, UN Results-Based Management and Sphere standards applied throughout the analytical lifecycle.

  3. 3

    Technology-driven solutions

    ODK, KoBo, Power BI, STATA, R and GIS — chosen for low connectivity, local operability and sustainability, not novelty.

  4. 4

    Participatory & inclusive practice

    Communities, beneficiaries and institutions engaged throughout, improving design quality and cultural appropriateness.

  5. 5

    Knowledge transfer & sustainability

    Hands-on training, co-development and documentation in every engagement — the goal is institutional independence.

Quality assurance

Quality assurance framework

  1. Pre-engagement

    Scope review, methodology validation, tool piloting and team briefing before every field or analytical activity.

  2. During implementation

    Daily field supervision, real-time data monitoring, enumerator performance review and spot checks.

  3. Post-collection

    Systematic cleaning and validation, double-entry verification for critical datasets, supervisor review of all forms.

  4. Analysis & reporting

    Dual-analyst review of statistical outputs, peer review of narratives, client review before finalisation.

  5. Learning & improvement

    After-action reviews after every project, updated SOPs and integration of client feedback.

International standards we apply

  • OECD-DAC evaluation criteria
  • USAID Evaluation Policy & ADS
  • UN Results-Based Management
  • Sphere Standards
  • GDPR principles (as best practice)
  • ACAPS rapid-assessment standards
  • PSEAH & child safeguarding
  • Do No Harm analysis

Technology stack

Data collection
ODK · KoBoToolbox · CommCare · SurveyCTO · CSPro
Statistical analysis
SPSS · STATA · R · Python · Excel
Visualisation
Power BI · Tableau · QGIS · Google Data Studio
Databases & apps
PostgreSQL · MySQL · SQL Server · Android · React
GIS & geospatial
QGIS · ArcGIS · Google Earth Engine
Security
AES-256 · TLS · RBAC · audit logging

Looking ahead

Our growth strategy

  • Geographic expansion

    Serving clients across Somaliland, Puntland and all Federal Member States, with new field presence and first engagements in neighbouring countries.

  • Health & humanitarian data

    Specialised capacity in health data management, surveillance and humanitarian response data systems.

  • Private sector

    Market research, business intelligence and enterprise data solutions for telecoms, finance and agribusiness.

  • Technology innovation

    Data management and visualisation platforms built for the Somali context, reducing dependence on international platforms.

  • Research partnerships

    Partnerships with Somali universities and research institutions to grow the evidence base and the next generation of data professionals.

  • Datashiil Academy

    A structured training and certification programme in data, MEAL and digital systems — launching 2027.

Registration & compliance

Registration and compliance

  • Commercial License No. T9NGB3P

    Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Federal Republic of Somalia. Private Limited Company — Professional Consultancy Firm. Valid until 17 March 2027.

  • Tax registration

    Ministry of Finance — Revenue Directorate, Federal Government of Somalia. Registered taxpayer; current tax compliance certificate available on request.

Discuss your requirements with our team

Tell us about your programme and we'll respond with a tailored approach, timeline and budget.

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