On December 5, 2023, the Vice President of Somaliland, Hon. Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail (Saylici), officially inaugurated the BSU-IV project, a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of higher education in Somaliland. Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark through Danida, BSU-IV project focuses on public policy and governance, maternal health, vector borne diseases, strengthening administrative frameworks, post-graduate education and digital education. The ceremony, held at Ambassador Hotel in Hargeisa, brought together key government officials, academic leaders, and international partners committed to transforming the educational landscape of Somaliland.

The opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Khalid Ahmed Abdi, Director of Research and Community Services at the University of Hargeisa and the coordinator of the BSU-IV project. He underscored the project’s critical role in empowering universities to address local and global challenges, emphasizing that the initiative is a transformative step towards creating research-driven universities that can produce graduates ready to innovate and lead.

Dr. Mohamoud Yusuf Mouse, the President of the University of Hargeisa, reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to achieving the goals of the BSU-IV project. He expressed his gratitude to the Danish government and Danida for their partnership in enhancing education. “Through this project, we are paving the way for a brighter future by delivering quality education and fostering a culture of innovation,” Dr. Mouse remarked.

The Chairman of the Somaliland Higher Education Commission emphasized the importance of ensuring higher education institutions meet international standards. He commended the BSU-IV project for its focus on institutional capacity building and research excellence. “This initiative directly supports our mission to improve the quality and accessibility of higher education in Somaliland, making it a vital component of our national development,” the Chairman stated.

Michael Alifrangis, the principal investigator for the BSU-IV project and representing Danish University partners, delivered a profound and impactful presentation. His address underscored the vital collaboration between Danish universities and partner institutions across Africa and South Asia, emphasizing sustainability and impactful research capacity-building. Michael highlighted the BSU program’s history, tracing its roots back to Denmark’s long-standing Enhancing Research Capacity (ENRECA) projects, which have significantly enhanced research capabilities in developing countries. Since its inception in 2011, BSU has aimed to strengthen institutional capacity by forming partnerships with 11 higher education institutions in countries like Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, and Nepal. These collaborations focus on key platforms, including human health, environment and climate, growth and employment, and stability, democracy, and rights. In reflecting on the impact of BSU Phases I-III,

Michael presented examples such as groundbreaking research on infectious disease surveillance, vector-borne disease epidemic prediction, and resilience-building against climate-sensitive diseases. These initiatives have not only fostered south-south collaborations but also attracted significant international funding, enabling institutions like the University of Hargeisa to expand their research capacities. As we embark on BSU IV, Michael’s insights remind us of the power of global academic partnerships in addressing pressing societal challenges while building a sustainable future. His presentation set a strong foundation for the event, inspiring commitment and collaboration for the program’s next phase.

Mathias Kjaer, the Danish Representative in Somaliland, emphasized the strong and enduring collaboration between Somaliland and Denmark, fostered through various programs funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark. He highlighted the importance of continuing to build on these partnerships and finding synergies between the programs to maximize their collective impact. His remarks underscored Denmark’s commitment to supporting Somaliland’s development through sustainable and impactful initiatives.

Hon. Liban Yusuf Osman, Vice Minister of Health Development, emphasized the project’s interdisciplinary impact, particularly in addressing health sector needs through education. Hon. Dr. Saad Ali Shire, Minister of Finance Development and Chairman of the University of Hargeisa Board of Trustees, highlighted how the project aligns with national priorities, creating a skilled workforce for the country’s economic growth.

In his closing remarks, Vice President Hon. Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail (Saylici) commended all stakeholders for their collaboration and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting higher education initiatives. “The BSU-IV project is not only an investment in our universities but also in the future prosperity of Somaliland,” the Vice President declared. The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to advancing Somaliland’s higher education sector.