ABOUT US
The Social And Development Is A Nongovernmental Organization
The Social and Development Association (SDA) is a trusted partner in creating transformative change for rural communities in Afghanistan. For nearly 20 years, we have worked tirelessly to uplift the lives of women, children, and other vulnerable groups. Our programs address the most pressing challenges, including access to quality education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, and social justice.
Founded in 2006 by a group of dedicated Afghan and international professionals, SDA emerged as a beacon of hope for underserved communities affected by poverty, conflict, and natural disasters. With a steadfast commitment to equity and inclusion, our initiatives empower individuals by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and access to critical resources. From literacy classes and vocational training to nutrition programs and advocacy, SDA’s comprehensive approach ensures lasting impact.
What sets SDA apart is our collaborative and inclusive environment, where innovative solutions are crafted to meet the unique needs of Afghan communities. We are honored to work with a broad network of donors, including UN agencies, U.S. donors, the EU, activists, and private individuals, who share our vision of a brighter future for Afghanistan. By investing in human capital and fostering resilience, SDA is building pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity.
OUR TEAM
Executive Board Members
At the Social and Development Association (SDA), our values are the foundation
of everything we do. They guide our decisions, shape our strategies.
of everything we do. They guide our decisions, shape our strategies.
Mr. Sabahuddin Sabah
Sabahuddin Sabah is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in program management, private sector development, and capacity building across Afghanistan. Holding an MBA and BBA from Preston University, Pakistan, Mr. Sabah has led impactful initiatives in key leadership roles, including Senior Program and M&E Manager with USAID/Young Women Lead (YWL) at the Borlaug Institute and Senior Private Sector Development Case Manager with DAI/ACEBA/USAID. He has effectively managed large-scale projects, developed strategies, and built partnerships with stakeholders while ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
Mr. Sabah’s expertise spans multiple sectors, including livelihoods, food security, education, and WASH. His leadership roles, such as Acting Chief of Party and Business Development Consultant, highlight his ability to deliver sustainable results. With deep knowledge of Afghanistan’s development landscape, Mr. Sabah’s strategic thinking and technical skills make him a cornerstone of SDA’s mission.
Mr. Sabah’s expertise spans multiple sectors, including livelihoods, food security, education, and WASH. His leadership roles, such as Acting Chief of Party and Business Development Consultant, highlight his ability to deliver sustainable results. With deep knowledge of Afghanistan’s development landscape, Mr. Sabah’s strategic thinking and technical skills make him a cornerstone of SDA’s mission.
Mr. Anwarullah Sadat
Anwarullah Sadat brings over 9 years of experience in project management within Afghanistan’s humanitarian and development sectors. He holds an MBA and BBA from Pune University, India, and has served in pivotal roles such as Project Manager at the Organization for Sustainable Training and Development and Project Coordinator with Shelter for Afghan Women International (SAW). Mr. Sadat has successfully led projects across multiple provinces, overseeing implementation strategies and ensuring stakeholder collaboration.
His tenure with the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA) as Senior Project Officer and Education Program Officer underscores his ability to manage multi-stakeholder projects, conduct research, and oversee procurement and logistics. His experience in education, livelihoods, and capacity-building initiatives, combined with his adaptability to challenging environments, positions him as an invaluable leader for advancing SDA’s objectives.
His tenure with the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA) as Senior Project Officer and Education Program Officer underscores his ability to manage multi-stakeholder projects, conduct research, and oversee procurement and logistics. His experience in education, livelihoods, and capacity-building initiatives, combined with his adaptability to challenging environments, positions him as an invaluable leader for advancing SDA’s objectives.
Mr. Otto Tawanda Chisiri
Otto Tawanda Chisiri is an accomplished M&E and capacity-building expert with over 20 years of experience across Africa and Asia. With an MBA from the University of South Wales (UK) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) from Zimbabwe, Otto’s certifications in M&E and strategic management bolster his extensive expertise. He has led large-scale projects funded by PEPFAR, UNICEF, and other major donors, ensuring transparency and compliance.
As Team Lead at Bright Future Consultancy and Head of Capacity Building at Lulote Swaziland, Otto has designed M&E frameworks, conducted baseline studies, and led impactful evaluations. His proven ability to drive results, combined with his versatile leadership style, enhances SDA’s capacity to deliver transformative programs.
As Team Lead at Bright Future Consultancy and Head of Capacity Building at Lulote Swaziland, Otto has designed M&E frameworks, conducted baseline studies, and led impactful evaluations. His proven ability to drive results, combined with his versatile leadership style, enhances SDA’s capacity to deliver transformative programs.
Ms. Nargis Sayeed Zada
Nargis Sayeed Zada is a dedicated professional with over 10 years of experience in advancing women's empowerment and gender equality in Afghanistan. She holds a Master's degree in Business Administration and has further enhanced her skills through various professional training programs.
With extensive experience in gender and women’s economic empowerment, Nargis has played a pivotal role in developing and delivering training initiatives that equip women with the skills and knowledge to thrive in their communities. Her work includes promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship among women, enabling them to start and grow their own businesses. Additionally, she has been actively involved in educational programs aimed at increasing access to learning opportunities for women and girls.
With extensive experience in gender and women’s economic empowerment, Nargis has played a pivotal role in developing and delivering training initiatives that equip women with the skills and knowledge to thrive in their communities. Her work includes promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship among women, enabling them to start and grow their own businesses. Additionally, she has been actively involved in educational programs aimed at increasing access to learning opportunities for women and girls.
Dr. Zahidullah Walizada
Dr. Zahidullah Walizada is a health and nutrition specialist with over a decade of experience in Afghanistan’s public health sector. With an MPH from the Jodhpur School of Public Health and an MD from Nangarhar Medical Faculty, his qualifications are complemented by expertise in data management and health system strengthening.
Dr. Walizada has held senior roles, including Health Advisor at CARE Afghanistan and M&E Manager at FHI-360. His leadership in nutrition, WASH, and TB service assessments has shaped health policies and improved service delivery across Afghanistan. His dedication to building resilient health systems aligns with SDA’s mission to uplift underserved communities.
Dr. Walizada has held senior roles, including Health Advisor at CARE Afghanistan and M&E Manager at FHI-360. His leadership in nutrition, WASH, and TB service assessments has shaped health policies and improved service delivery across Afghanistan. His dedication to building resilient health systems aligns with SDA’s mission to uplift underserved communities.
Dr. Hejratullah Adil (PhD)
Dr. Hejratullah Adil is a research and capacity-building expert with a PhD in Commerce and Management Studies (in progress) and an MBA in Training and Development. His extensive experience includes leading research initiatives at Alfalah University and conducting evaluations for Save the Children International.
Dr. Adil’s contributions to academic and development sectors in Afghanistan include publishing research in international journals, designing evaluation frameworks, and managing large-scale surveys. His analytical skills and commitment to evidence-based approaches enrich SDA’s ability to implement impactful programs.
Dr. Adil’s contributions to academic and development sectors in Afghanistan include publishing research in international journals, designing evaluation frameworks, and managing large-scale surveys. His analytical skills and commitment to evidence-based approaches enrich SDA’s ability to implement impactful programs.
Ms. Thye Yoke Pean (PhD)
Thye Yoke Pean is a leading WASH expert with over 17 years of experience in Southeast Asia and Afghanistan. Holding a PhD in Environmental Engineering from the Bandung Institute of Technology and a Master’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Imperial College London, she specializes in water and sanitation solutions in post-disaster settings. Thye’s innovative projects include behavior change initiatives, impact evaluations, and employability programs for marginalized groups. As co-founder of WISE - WASH in Southeast Asia and Adjunct Lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic, her work exemplifies thought leadership and innovation. Her ability to address critical WASH challenges makes her a key driver of SDA’s health and environmental programs.
Mr. Waliullah Amini
Mr. Walihullah Amini is a dedicated professional with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Civil Engineering. With over 7 years of experience in the NGO and INGO sectors, Mr. Amini has held key positions, including Finance Officer at SACC, Project Officer at RRAA, M&E Officer at KMDP/World Bank, and Project Manager at ADA and SCC. He is currently contributing his expertise with SDA. His extensive knowledge in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and leadership plays a vital role in advancing SDA’s mission of empowering communities and delivering sustainable development initiatives.