Adeso history

Over time, the organization grew, and in 1998, then simply known as Horn Relief, it began its Pastoral Youth Leadership Program in the Sanaag region of Somalia, known then as the Buran Rural Institute.

In 2001, Adeso (still known as Horn Relief) held its first Camel Caravan in Somalia, where twenty young people walked for three weeks with nomadic pastoralists to learn about the environment, animal and human health, and peacemaking.

In 2002, in response to Fatima Jibrell’s advocacy work, the Puntland Government banned the export of charcoal in the region.

After pioneering the first large cash transfer system in Somalia in 2003 Adeso has, indeed, implemented more than 20 cash transfer programs in the region and become a global leader in the implementation as well as training on cash transfer programs.

In 2006, Fatima Jibrell retired as executive director, and was succeeded by Degan Ali.

Acquisition of SITGATE AG (merged with adesso AG in 2010) to expand the consulting portfolio in the field of IT management

In 2012, the organization changed its name from Horn Relief to Adeso, to reflect its expansion outside of the Horn of Africa, and its emphasis on development rather than simply relief work.

Our Founder, Fatima Jibrell, is awarded the 2014 Champions of the Earth award for her tireless effort to protect Somalia’s fragile pastoral environment.