Data-SD – 2025
International Conference on Data Science for Sustainable Development
DATA SD 2025
August 18, 2025 → August 20, 2025
Amoud University, Borama, Somaliland
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Amoud University is proud to announce that it will be hosting its inaugural International Conference on Data Science for Sustainable Development (Data-SD) from August 18, 2025 to August 20, 2025. This landmark event will bring together researchers, academics, industry experts, and policymakers from around the globe to discuss and share insights on the critical role of data science in addressing pressing challenges related to sustainable development.
As Somaliland and the wider region strive for sustainable growth, this conference will serve as a vital platform for exploring innovative data-driven solutions across diverse sectors. The conference aims to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the development of actionable strategies for a more sustainable future.
A Vehicle for Peace and Development
Amoud University
Amoud University stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the Horn of Africa. Established in 1952 as a secondary school and evolving into a fully-fledged university in 1997, Amoud University has a rich history of producing some of the best minds in the Somali-speaking regions. More than just a place of learning, Amoud University is a union of intellectuals dedicated to the development and wellbeing of society through the merging of ideas and dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of humanity. Our diverse student body and faculty create a vibrant atmosphere that fosters academic and personal growth. From cultural events to sports competitions, there’s always something happening on our green campus. Join us and experience the unique campus culture of Amoud University.
Amoud University has set forth a clear vision, mission, and core values. The university envisions itself as a leading institution renowned for its excellence in education and research. Emphasizing the importance of skilled professionals, Amoud University strives to contribute to the socioeconomic growth of the region and the nation. Its mission revolves around providing quality education and training, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, and nurturing an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship guided by core values.
Conference Themes
- Data Science Applications in Environmental Sustainability: Data-driven approaches for environmental monitoring and conservation, predictive modelling for climate change impact assessment, and smart technologies for sustainable agriculture and natural resource management.
- Data Science in Health Science: Healthcare analytics for disease prediction and prevention, personalized medicine and treatment optimization using data analytics, and health informatics and electronic health records analysis.
- Data Science in Education: Adaptive learning systems and personalized education, educational data mining for student performance analysis, and integration of data science in curriculum development and assessment.
- Interdisciplinary Perspectives: Cross-cutting applications of data science in the intersection of environment, health science, and education; ethical considerations and data privacy in the era of big data analytics; and societal impacts of data-driven decision-making in sustainable development.
Keynote Speakers
Important Dates
- Abstract Submission Deadline: June 15, 2025
- Abstract Acceptance Notification: June 25, 2025
- Full Paper/Proceeding Submission Deadline: July 15, 2025
- Final Acceptance Notification: July 30, 2025
- Conference Dates: August 18, 2025 → August 20, 2025
Submission and Publications
Please use the provided templates for preparing your abstract and full paper/proceeding.
The presentations will be made online or face to face.
All submitted abstracts and full papers will undergo a rigorous peer-review process. Accepted papers will be presented at the conference and included in the conference proceedings to be published by Springer.
Outcomes of Data-SD 2025
- Contribute to the advancement of data-driven solutions for sustainable development in Somaliland and beyond.
- Discover the latest research and innovations in data science applications.
- Establish collaborative networks with leading experts and stakeholders.
- Showcase the cutting-edge research coming out of Amoud University.
Event Schedule
Day 1: Monday, 18 August 2025
Theme of the Day: Data Science in Environmental Sustainability
Venue: Main Hall, Rays Hotel
Time | Session | ||||||||
08:00 – 09:00 | Arrival, Registration, and Welcome Coffee (Venue: Main Hall Foyer) | ||||||||
09:00 – 10:30 | Opening Ceremony Session Chair: Hamse Abdirashid, Associate Dean, ELIP, Amoud University Quran Recitation: Sayid Ali Opening Remarks by: 1. Dr. Abdisalam Hassan Muse, Director, Research and Innovation Centre, Amoud University 2. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Muse Jibril, President, Amoud University 3. Abdinasir Ali Sahal, Chairperson, Save the Children International, Somaliland – 5 Minutes 4. Dr. Abdi Dahir , NHPC, Somaliland – 5 Minutes 5. Samir Hassan Ahmed, Area Office Manager, UNDP, Somaliland – 5 Minutes 6. Abdiwahab Maah, Chief Corporate Affairs, Telesom – 5 Minutes 7. Jama Noor, COO, Dahabshiil Group – 5 Minutes 8. Dr. Bashir M. Abdullahi, President, Jigjiga University, Ethiopia – 5 Minutes 9. Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Sulub, President, University of Hargeisa, Somaliland – 5 Minutes 10. Dr. Edna Adan Ismail, President, Edna Adan University, Somaliland – 5 Minutes 11. Mr. Mohamoud Sh Ibrahim, Mayor of Borama Town, Somaliland – 5 Minutes 12. Mr. Mohamoud Xodey, Governor of Awdal Region – 5 Minutes 13. The Honourable, Mohamoud Egeh Yusuf, Minister, Ministry of Agricultural Development – 5 minutes 14. The Honourable, Dr. Zamzam Mohamed Salah, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health Development – 5 Minutes 15. The Honourable, Mohamed Yusuf Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Science – 5 Minutes | ||||||||
10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break, Networking & Poster Session | ||||||||
11:00 – 12:30 | Keynote Session 1 | 1. Prof. Saralees Nadarajah, University of Manchester, UK 2. Prof. Nasir Warfa, King’s College, London, UK | Main Hall | ||||||
12:30 – 14:00 | Prayer & Lunch Break | Masjid /Restaurant | |||||||
14:00 – 15:30 | Paper Presentations: Theme 1.1 – Livelihoods, Food Security, and One Health | Moderator: Abdiaziz Darod, Research Director, Pharoah Foundation • Abdifatah Hassan Muse: Assessing Shocks, Socio-economic Status and Food Security in Somali Households: Spatial and Multilevel Analysis Somalia – A Pioneering Study for Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 • Mohamed Ahmed Hassan: Exploring the Magnitude and Determinants of Camel Mortality among Nomadic Communities in Somaliland: A Count Regression Modeling and Spatial Analysis Approach Using the SLDHS 2020 • Shaban Mohamed Abdi: Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Camel Trypanosomiasis in Selected Districts of Fafan Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia Discussant: Mohamed Abdi Abdillahi, SPGS&R, Amoud University Moderator: Abdirashid, SoS • Mohamed Abdullahi Omer: Determinants and Extent of Food Insecurity Among Internally Displaced Households in Hargeisa, Somaliland: A Cross-Sectional Study of Digaale IDP Camp • Mohamed Beegsi: Looking Ahead Amid Crisis: Anticipatory Action in Somaliland’s Protracted Drought • Shamsedin Mahdi Hassan: Physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties of tortillas prepared from nixtamalized quality protein maize enriched with soybean • Abdiaziz Ali Ahmed: Leveraging Satellite Data and Computer Vision for Sustainable Water Monitoring and Access in Somaliland Discussant: Mohamed Abdi Osman, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Amoud University | Hall A | ||||||
14:00 – 15:30 | Paper Presentations: Theme 1.2 – Climate, Energy, and One Health | Moderator: Dr. Abas Mohamed, Director, Research Centre, Mogadishu University • Ahmed Ibrahim: Determinants of Household Electricity Access in Somalia: A Machine Learning and Spatial Analysis Approaches • Mohamed Abdi Abdilahi: Forecasting Methane Emissions in Somalia: A Hybrid Time-Series Approach for Climate and Public Health Insights • Mohamed Ali Hussein: Spatial–Temporal Analysis of Impacts of Climate Variability on Maize Production in Somaliland from 1997 to 2024 Discussant: Abdiaziz Mohamed Ahmed, Deputy Director of Quality Assurance, Amoud University Moderator: Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Hassan, Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Burao University, Somaliland • Mustafe Aden Muhumed: The Dynamic Impact of Renewable Energy and Primary Energy Consumption on CO2 Emissions in Africa: An ARDL Approach • Eng. Yahye Ahmed Daud: Hydrological Modeling of the Juba River Basin: Applicability Assessment using HEC-HMS • Hassan Abdi Hussein: Rabies Outbreak in Lefeisa Town, Somali Region, Ethiopia: A Report on Epidemiological Trends and One Health Implications Discussant: Hamda Mowlid, Director of Gender Affairs, Amoud University | Hall B | ||||||
15:30 – 16:00 | Prayer, Coffee Break, Networking & Poster Session | Main Hall Foyer | |||||||
16:00 – 17:00 | Day 1 Panel Discussion | Title: Data for Development and Support Topic: Bridging the gap between data insights and practical implementation for development and humanitarian support. Moderator: Mohamed Heban Awaleh, Director of International Partnerships and Projects Panelists: Representatives from International NGOs, Telesom, and Dahabshiil | Main Hall | ||||||
Day 2: Tuesday, 19 August 2025
Theme of the Day: Data Science in Education and & Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Master of Ceremony: Dr. Muna Boqore
Time | Session | Details | Venue | |||||||
08:00 – 08:30 | Arrival & Welcome | Main Hall Foyer | ||||||||
08:30 – 10:30 | Keynote Session 2 (Education & Technology) | Moderator: Dr. Muna Boqore 1. Prof. Befekadu, Addis Ababa University 2. Prof. Oso, Amoud University 3. Prof. Tadesse, Bahir Dar University 4. Ali Bosir, Telesom Company | Main Hall | |||||||
10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break, Networking & Poster Session | Main Hall Foyer | ||||||||
11:00 – 12:30 | Parallel Paper Presentations | |||||||||
Track A: Education | Theme 2.1: Access, Equity, and Inclusion Moderator: Mustafe Hassan Dahir, Edna Adan University • Dr. Mustafe Khadar Abdi: Out-of-School Children in Somaililand: A Logistic Regression Analysis of Predictors from the 2022 Education Accessibility Survey • Mukhtar Axmed Cumar: Poverty and the Determinants of School Attendance Among Somali Children: Insights from a National Household Survey Using Multilevel Logistic Regression and Predictive Marginal Analysis • Harun Ismail Warsame: The Geography of Inequality: Women’s Education in Somaliland Discussant: Jibril Abdikadir Ali, Amoud University Moderator: Abdinasir Ali Sahal, Save the Children International • Tawakal Abdi Ali: Determinants of School Access in Somaliland: A Comparative Analysis of Urban, Rural, and Nomadic Children • Darmi Jattani: Shirikisha: A Data-Driven Framework for Inclusive Parental Engagement in Kenya’s Basic Education • Abdirahman Osman Alin: The Role of Smartphones in Fintech Education and Economic Empowerment in Somalia Discussant: Ibrahim Abdisalam, Amoud University | Conference Hall A | ||||||||
Track B: Interdisciplinary Perspectives | Theme 3.1 & 3.2: Governance, and Gender Moderator: Dr. Osman M. Osman, University of Hargeisa • Abdirashid Jama Abdillahi: Gender Disparities in Business Ownership and Control in Somaliland: An Analysis of Nationwide Survey Data • Ahmed Awaleh: Material Price Volatility and Resource Management: An Assessment of Key Factors in Somaliland Construction Cost Overruns • Hafsa Mohamed: Predicting Financial Inclusion among Women in Somaliland Using Supervised Machine Learning: Evidence from the 2020 SLDHS Dataset • Muna Abdirashid: Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis of the Effect of Digital Transformation on Inland Revenue Efficiency in Hargeisa City, Somaliland Discussant: Yurub Abdirahman, Director of Human Resources, Amoud University | Conference Hall B | ||||||||
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| Theme 3.2: Data Science Applications in Technology and Research Moderator: Dr. Liban Ismail, Director of the Laboratory in Analysis, Modeling and Optimization, Djibouti University, Djibouti • Hundaol Bedada: Detecting Fake News in a Low-Resource Language: A Machine Learning Approach for Afaan Oromo • Yahyeh Souleiman: Modelling and Investigating Malaria P. Falciparum and P. Vivax Co-infections: Application to Djibouti Data • Abas Mohamed: From Data to Development: The Role of Data Science in Advancing Scientific Research and Achieving SDG-9 Discussant: Abdirashid Jama Abdilahi, Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics, AU |
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12:30 – 14:00 | Prayer & Lunch Break | Masjid /Restaurant | ||||||||
14:00 – 14:40 | Online Keynote Session | Moderator: Hamse Abdirashid 1. Prof. Samuel Mwalili (Online) 2. Prof. Jaap Velthuis (Online) | Main Hall | |||||||
14:40 – 15:30 | Parallel Paper Presentations |
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| Track A: Education | Theme 2.2: Educational Quality, Outcomes, and System Effectiveness Moderator: Abdirahman Askar, Dean, Freshman Department • Jibril Abdikadir Ali: Linking Teacher Practices to Student Achievement: National Evidence from Somaliland’s EGRA and EGMA Assessments • Ibrahim Abdisalam: Analyzing the Impact of Extended Theoretical Lecture Hours on Student Fatigue and Academic Performance Using CatBoost: A Study Among ICT Students at Amoud University • Mukhtar Abdi Omer: Geographic Disparities and Subject-Level Divides: A Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Educational Outcomes in Somaliland Discussant: Ahmed Arab, Director of Examinations, Amoud University Moderator: Dr. Yahya Suleiman, Dean, Djibouti University , Djibouti • Mukhtar Abdi Hassan: An Accelerated Failure Time Model for School Dropout: A Bayesian Analysis of Somaliland’s 2022 National Education Survey • Hassan M. Heban: Impact of Education on Economic Growth in Somalia: An ARDL Approach • Abdirahman Hussein: Horumarinta Cilmiga – Multi-phase Impact Evaluation Discussant: Mustafe Khadar, Amoud University | Main Hall |
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15:30 – 16:00 | Coffee Break, Networking & Poster Session |
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16:00 – 17:00 | Panel Discussion 2: Data as a Unit of Measurement for Sustainable Development | • Topic: How can universities, government, and partners collaborate to improve data as a unit of measurement for sustainable development? • Panelists: University Presidents, Guest Professors • Moderator: Mukhtar Abdi Omer, Director of Academic Affairs, Amoud University (50 mins discussion, 20 mins Q&A) | Main Hall | |||||||
Day 3: Wednesday, 20 August 2025
Theme of the Day: Health Science
Masters of Ceremony: Hamse Abdirashid & Dr. Muna Boqore
Time | Session | Details | Venue | |
08:00 – 08:30 | Arrival & Welcome Coffee | Main Hall Foyer | ||
08:30 – 10:30 | Keynote Session 3 | Moderator: Dr. Muna Boqore 1. Prof. Nasiru Suleman, C.K Tedam University, Ghana 2. Prof. Mirgissa Kaba, Addis Ababa University 3. Prof. Hassan Ali Barkhad, Djibouti University | Main Hall | |
10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break, Networking & Poster Session | Main Hall Foyer | ||
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11:00 – 12:30 | Parallel Paper Presentations | |||
Track A: Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH) | Session 3.1: Antenatal and Perinatal Care Moderator: Dr. Yahye Hassan Muse, University of Hargeisa • Abdirahman A. Suleiman: Wealth-based Inequality in Maternal Health Service Utilization Among Ever-Married Women of Reproductive Age in Somaliland: Secondary Analysis of the SLDHS • Hodo Abdikarim: Modeling Early Antenatal Care Initiation at First Trimester among Reproductive Women in Somaliland by Employing Machine Learning Algorithms • Asma Mohamoud Jibril: Prevalence and Associated Factors of Non-exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers with Infants under 6 Months in Hargeisa, Somaliland • Saed Aden Mohamoud: Analyzing concordance between MUAC, MUACZ, and WHZ in diagnosing acute malnutrition among children under 5 in Somalia • Abdillahi M. Abdillahi: Predicting Spatial Variations and Determinants of Acute Respiratory Infections among Under-Five Children in Somalia: A Spatial and Multilevel Logistic Regression Analysis • Hana M. Shidane: Spatial Distribution and Multi-Level Analysis of Female Genital Mutilation and Associated Factors in Somalia: Evidence from SHDS 2020 Discussant: Dr. Muna Mohamed Mahfud, Amoud University Moderator: Dr. Ahmed Moumin, Adal Medical University • Abdirahman Omer Ali: Predictive Modeling of Adherence to Recommended Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation in Somaliland: Insights from Machine Learning and Logistic Regression • Hamse Adam Abdi: Determinants and Spatial Distribution of Stillbirth in Somaliland: Evidence from the SLDHS Using Multilevel and Spatial Analysis • Hawa Abdilahi Yusuf: Prevalence and Factors Associated with Post-Spinal Back Pain among Patients Undergoing Spinal Anaesthesia: A Cross-sectional Study at Borama Hospitals, Somaliland • Naima Abdillahi: Incidence and Determinants of Post-Dural Puncture Headache After Cesarean Section Delivery Under Spinal Anesthesia in Borama Hospitals • Nura M. Omer: Spatial Variation and Determinants of Mother and Newborn Skin-to-Skin Contact in Somaliland: A Spatial and Multilevel Analysis • Adam Yusuf Mahdi: Levels and Determinants of Child Wasting Relapse: A Prospective Cohort Study from Somalia Discussant: Dr. Sarah Kent, Amoud University | Conference Hall A | ||
Track B: Disease Prevention & Health Systems | Session 3.3: Disease Modeling and Healthcare Analytics Moderator: Raqiya Ibrahim, Pharoah Foundation • Hakima Abdirahman Ahmed: Time to Treatment Success and Its Determinants Among Tuberculosis Patients in Borama, Somaliland: A Comparative Analysis Using Cox Proportional Hazards and Parametric Survival Models • Mustafe Abdi Ali: Time to Failure Among Stroke Patients in Sheik Hassan Yabare Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Jigjiga, Ethiopia: An Application of Bayesian Accelerated Failure Time • Ayan Korse: Spatial Distribution and Determinants of Early Marriage among Reproductive Age Women in Somalia • Yahye H. Muse: A Data-Driven Analysis of Women’s Media Exposure and its Impact on Healthcare Utilization in Somaliland • Hamse G. Dahir: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Unhealthy Food Consumption and Associated Factors among Infants and Young Children in Somaliland: A Nationwide Perspective • Ilhan Bile: Modelling the Spatial Determinants of Early Breastfeeding Initiation in Somaliland: Evidence from the 2020 Somaliland Demographic and Health Survey • Mohamed M. Abdilleh: Application of Machine learning and Spatial Analysis of Bottle-Feeding Practices among Women in Somaliland: Evidence from Somaliland Demographic Health Survey, 2020 • Abdirahman M. Said: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Antibiotic Resistance among the General Population in Somalia: A Cross-sectional Study Discussant: Dr. Nimco M. Omer, School of Public Health, Amoud University Moderator: Mr. Ahmed A. Sh Ibrahim, Amoud University University • Awo M. Kahie: Spatial and Multilevel Analysis of Determinants of Early Neonatal Mortality in Somaliland: Evidence from the Somaliland Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS) • Zahra D. Duale: Time to Treatment Success… Among Tuberculosis Patients… ‘Predicting Home Delivery and identifying its determinants among women aged 15–49 years in Somaliland,’ which is a machine learning analysis of the SLDHS. • Saed M. Gaafaa: The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of CashPlus Interventions to Prevent Acute Malnutrition in Somalia: Evidence from an Adaptive Cluster Randomized Control Trial • Osman M. Osman: Determinants of Vitamin A Rich Food Consumption Among Children Aged 6-23 Months in Somaliland: Evidence from the SLDHS • Isra Mohammed Khairy: Folliculin (FLCN) as a Prognostic and Immunological Biomarker in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Pan-Cancer Data Science Approach • Gallad D. Hassan: Where and why? A Geospatial and Multilevel Analysis of timely vaccination in Somalia • Raqiya I. Ahmed: Determinants of Level of Maternity Continuum of Care in Urban Settings: A Community-Based Cross-sectional Study in Somalia/Somaliland Discussant: Dr. Mohamoud A. Muhumed, Dean, School of Medicine and Surgery, Amoud University | Conference Hall B | ||
12:30 – 14:00 | Prayer & Lunch Break | Masjid /Restaurant | ||
14:00 – 15:30 | Online Keynote Session & Day 3 Panel | Moderator: Hamse Abdirashid • Online Keynotes: – Prof. Irfan Ali – Prof. Mona Gamal Moderator: Dr. Hassan Rabiic • Panel Discussion 3: The Way Forward Topic: Synthesizing insights from health, environment, and education to foster inter-university collaborations and shape a data-driven future Panelists: Guest Professors and Senior Academics | Main Hall | Main Hall |
16:00 – 17:30 | Amoud University Campus Tour | Departure from Rays Hotel. | Amoud University Main Campus | |
19:30 – 21:00 | Closing Ceremony & Gala Dinner | • Conference Summary & Resolutions • Award Ceremony for Best Presentations & Posters • Closing Remarks • Dinner | Main Hall | |
Time to share your research!
We invite you to share your Research. Submit your abstract here.
Deadline: June 15, 2025
Conference Location
datasd2025@amoud.edu.so | ric@amoud.edu.so
Phone
+252 63 4451739 | +252 63 4454322
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