MOGADISHU — The Somali National University has significantly broadened its global academic connections through a high-level delegation visit to China, officials confirmed.
Led by University Rector Prof. Dr. Mohamed Mohamud Mohamed, the team conducted multiple diplomatic and educational meetings that established important agreements focused on enhancing Somalia’s higher education system.
Formal Agreements with Chinese Institutions
During the international trip, the university established formal agreements with two prominent Chinese organizations: HiSign Technology and the China-Africa Institute. These arrangements concentrate on establishing collaborative research projects, implementing expert exchange programs, and improving the overall quality of local higher education.
Through collaboration with these advanced technology and academic institutions in China, Somali National University aims to develop graduates prepared for the demands of the global digital economy, according to university officials.
Previous Academic Exchanges with China
The recent delegation follows earlier high-level engagements between Somali National University and Chinese academic institutions. The Somali National University celebrated the 10th anniversary of its re-establishment in August 2024, marking a decade since the institution resumed operations after being closed for over two decades due to the civil war. Since its re-establishment, the university has played a crucial role in rebuilding Somalia’s education sector, offering programs in medicine, engineering, law, and social sciences.
In December 2024, a delegation from the China-Africa Institute, led by President Ye Hailin, visited Mogadishu at the invitation of Somali National University to attend the 15th Somalia Studies International Association Congress. The congress was inaugurated by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, marking the first time in 34 years the event was hosted in Mogadishu since 1989.
During that visit, Ye Hailin delivered a keynote speech emphasizing that China attaches great importance to cooperation with Africa in promoting the Global Security Initiative.
“The security and stability of Somalia is an irreplaceable part of the security of East Africa, the maritime security in the Indian Ocean and even the overall security of Africa,” Ye said at the time.
International Partnerships for University Reconstruction
Somalia has also secured international support for rebuilding the national university’s infrastructure. In December 2020, the governments of Italy and Somalia signed a memorandum of cooperation to rebuild a section of Somali National University. Italy’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mario Giro, announced that Italy would finance the rebuilding of Gaheyr Campus, which serves as the headquarters of the Somali National University.
Educational Sector Transformation
Obtaining these international partnerships provides immediate benefits for Somalia. Incorporating Chinese research approaches and advanced technology systems into the Somali educational system will accelerate the country’s knowledge advancement.
This achievement establishes the national university as a key institution for national development, ensuring future Somali professionals will have the sophisticated technical and analytical capabilities needed to promote local industrial and economic growth.
The Federal Government has also made significant strides in education sector reform. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre recently announced that the government has recruited and deployed 10,000 trained teachers across the country, with salaries funded entirely through domestic national revenues — marking the first time in modern Somali history that teacher salaries are not dependent on external financial assistance.
Higher education records now show nearly 250,000 graduates and 200,000 current students enrolled across Somali institutions, according to government figures.
Commitment to Educational Development
The Somali National University’s engagement with Chinese partners reflects the Federal Government’s broader strategy of building international alliances to strengthen domestic institutions and prepare Somali youth for participation in the global economy.
University officials have expressed commitment to expanding these partnerships further, viewing international academic cooperation as essential to rebuilding Somalia’s higher education sector and producing graduates capable of contributing to national development.
