Who We Are

About  Sahan Drilling

Sahan Drilling and Construction Company is a premier infrastructure and water solutions firm headquartered in Lasanod, Sool Region, Somalia. Founded in 2010, we deliver technically superior, community-centred infrastructure across Somalia and Ethiopia — borehole drilling to 600m depth, water supply systems, dam and berkad construction, solar and hybrid energy, humanitarian WASH, and full-scope civil construction. Trusted by UNICEF, Islamic Relief, ACTED, NRC, Oxfam, IOM, ADESO, ISDB, and government partners.

Executive Summary

Premier Infrastructure & Water Solutions

Sahan Drilling and Construction Company is a premier infrastructure and water solutions firm headquartered in Lasanod, Sool Region, Somalia. Founded in 2010, the company has grown into one of the most trusted engineering partners operating across Somalia and the East Africa region, delivering technically superior, community-centred infrastructure in some of the continent's most challenging environments.

Over sixteen years of operations, Sahan has built a formidable track record spanning borehole drilling, water supply system design and installation, dam and berkad construction, solar and hybrid energy systems, emergency humanitarian WASH response, and full-scope civil and structural construction. The company operates modern drilling rigs capable of reaching 600 metres depth — among the deepest capabilities in the Horn of Africa — and maintains a company-owned equipment fleet that enables rapid mobilisation to remote and conflict-affected areas.

As a trusted implementation partner for UNICEF, Islamic Relief Worldwide, ACTED, NRC, Oxfam Novib, IOM, ADESO, the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB), and multiple government ministries, Sahan combines the cost advantage and contextual knowledge of a local company with the technical capacity and compliance standards expected by international donors, development banks, and humanitarian agencies.

Local Expertise

16 years embedded in the community — we know the geology, the people, and the terrain.

International Standards

UNICEF, UN, World Bank and donor-aligned compliance, documentation and reporting systems.

Community Impact

1.5M+ beneficiaries reached. Clean water, safe buildings, and sustainable energy for all.

SAHAN
Company Overview

Background & History

Sahan Drilling and Construction Company was established in 2010 in Lasanod, Sool Region, by a team of experienced engineers and development professionals who recognised a critical gap in water infrastructure delivery across north-east Somalia. Beginning with foundational partnerships with SRO and NPA, the company drilled its first boreholes in 2011 and 2012 — the 352m Ceegaag borehole in Togdheer and the 355m Saxdheer borehole in Sool — laying the groundwork for what would become one of the region's most trusted engineering enterprises.

Over sixteen years, Sahan has undergone continuous evolution: from a drilling-focused enterprise to a fully integrated water, energy, and construction company serving UN agencies, bilateral donors, national governments, development banks, and private clients. The company has expanded operations into Ethiopia's Doollo Somali State, and today operates across Sool, Sanaag, Togdheer, Awdal, Mudug, and Nugaal regions.

Company Name

Sahan Drilling and Construction Company

Year Founded

2010

Headquarters

Lasanod, Sool Region, North East Somalia (NES)

Branch Operations

Ethiopia — Doollo Somali State

Legal Structure

Private Limited Company — Somalia

Core Sectors

Water Infrastructure · Civil Construction · Solar & Hybrid Energy · Humanitarian WASH

Equipment

Company-owned fleet — 5 drilling rigs, bulldozer, crane, excavator, fleet vehicles

Portfolio Value

Substantial cumulative portfolio of delivered projects since inception

Key Partners

UNICEF · Islamic Relief · ACTED · NRC · IOM · ADESO · Oxfam · ISDB · ARC · Qatar Charity

Contact

mabdulahi@sahandrilling.com · +252 063 479 7630

Est. 2010 · 16+ Years of Excellence · Lasanod, Sool Region

Our Foundation

Vision, Mission & Core Values

Our Vision

To be the leading water infrastructure and construction company in the Horn of Africa — delivering cost-effective, innovative, and environmentally responsible solutions that add lasting value to clients and communities, while helping eliminate the clean water deficit across the region.

Our Mission

To excel in a dynamic and competitive environment by deploying the most advanced technologies and highest service standards — never compromising on quality as we expand our knowledge and capabilities. We deliver infrastructure that protects lives, empowers communities, and supports sustainable national development.

Core Values

The principles that guide every contract, site, and community engagement.

Integrity

Transparent conduct in every transaction, tender, and stakeholder engagement. Zero tolerance for corruption or unethical practice.

Safety

CASHES-aligned safety culture. All accidents are preventable. Health, safety, and environmental protection are embedded in every operational stage.

Excellence

Exceeding client expectations on quality, timeline, and technical performance — every contract, every site, every time.

Innovation

Adopting modern technologies — from GIS hydrogeological surveys to solar-hybrid integration — to solve complex engineering challenges.

Sustainability

Environmental stewardship and climate-resilient infrastructure design woven into every project scope. Solar-first approach to powered water systems.

Accountability

Rigorous reporting, monitoring, and financial controls that meet the standards of international donors, development banks, and UN agencies.

Community Empowerment

Genuine community engagement, local employment priority, water committee establishment, and meaningful community participation throughout all project cycles.

Gender Inclusion

Active promotion of women's participation in water governance, workforce inclusion, and community decision-making processes across all project areas.

Voices of Trust

Testimonials & Partner References

“Sahan demonstrated exceptional field capability in a challenging remote environment. Their team maintained quality standards throughout, mobilised rapidly, and delivered a high-yield borehole that has transformed water access for the community. A reliable implementation partner we will continue to work with.”

UNICEF Programme Officer

UNICEF Somalia Country Office

“The team at Sahan consistently exceeded our expectations for both technical quality and community engagement. Their depth of local knowledge, combined with genuine professionalism and commitment to transparency, makes them one of our preferred drilling and WASH partners in the region.”

WASH Technical Coordinator

Islamic Relief Worldwide — Somalia

“During the 2018 IDP crisis, Sahan was the only partner who could reach the affected communities quickly and safely. Their water trucking and emergency borehole response saved lives. This is a company that understands the humanitarian imperative — not just the contract.”

Emergency Response Manager

ARC / Alight — Somalia

“Sahan drilled our community borehole and it has not stopped flowing since. They trained our water committee, installed a solar pump, and came back to help when we needed maintenance. This is what a real partner looks like — they do not just complete the project and leave.”

Community Elder & Water Committee Chair

Siixawle Village, Las-Anod District, Sool

Integrity & Accountability

Corporate Governance & Compliance

Sahan operates with full transparency and accountability — meeting the fiduciary, ethical, and compliance requirements of institutional donors, development banks, and government partners. Our governance framework reflects a genuine commitment to integrity, not merely procedural compliance.

Financial Accountability

  • Documented procurement & contract management
  • Transparent financial reporting to all donors
  • Payment verification & invoice reconciliation
  • Cost control & budget monitoring systems
  • Variance reporting to project stakeholders

Anti-Corruption & Ethics

  • Zero tolerance for bribery and corruption
  • Conflict of interest declaration policy
  • Transparent supplier & subcontractor selection
  • Compliance with donor procurement guidelines
  • Safeguarding and do-no-harm commitments

Reporting & Transparency

  • Detailed project progress reports to donors
  • GPS-tagged & photographic deliverable evidence
  • Water quality and pump yield test records
  • As-built drawings with technical specifications
  • Post-project M&E and follow-up support
Organization

Company Structure

Clear reporting lines from leadership to operational departments.

CEO

Chief Executive Officer

Vice President

Deputy Operations

Engineering
  • Water Supply
  • Project Management
  • Field Management
  • Geophysical Study
Administration
  • Finance Manager
  • Sales Officer
  • Procurement
  • Audit
Marketing

Leads brand visibility, client outreach, and business growth communications.

Safety (HSE)

Maintains safety standards, risk controls, and compliance across all operations.

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