Hargeisa, Somaliland | 17 October 2026
The University of Hargeisa participated in a strategic consultation workshop dedicated to the development of the Somaliland Innovation Zone (SIZ) Innovation Strategy 2026–2030, held on 17 October 2026 at Ambassador Hotel in Hargeisa.
Representing the University was Dr. Abdirisak M. Abdillahi, Dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Information Technology (CECIT), whose participation underscored the University’s commitment to supporting innovation, digital transformation, technological advancement, and sustainable development in Somaliland.
The consultation brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategic priorities for strengthening Somaliland’s innovation ecosystem and identifying opportunities for cooperation among academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and other organizations involved in technological and economic development.
The development of the Somaliland Innovation Zone (SIZ) Innovation Strategy 2026–2030 represents an important initiative aimed at establishing a strategic direction for innovation and technological progress over the next five years.
The consultation provided an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing Somaliland’s innovation ecosystem, including the development of digital skills, institutional collaboration, applied research, and the effective use of emerging technologies.
Discussions focused on identifying strategic priorities and exploring approaches that could strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions, industry, and other innovation stakeholders.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of developing an environment in which innovative ideas, research findings, and technological solutions can contribute to addressing practical challenges and supporting sustainable development.
During the consultation, Dr. Abdirisak M. Abdillahi emphasized the critical role of higher education institutions in advancing innovation and supporting national technological development.
He highlighted the importance of universities in developing digital talent, promoting applied research, encouraging innovation, and strengthening connections between academic knowledge and industry requirements.
Universities play a central role in preparing graduates with relevant technical and professional competencies while generating research that can inform technological solutions and respond to societal and economic needs.
Through academic programmes, research activities, and institutional partnerships, higher education institutions can contribute to strengthening the human capital and knowledge base required for a sustainable innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Abdirisak’s contribution to the consultation reinforced the importance of integrating higher education institutions into the planning and implementation of innovation-related strategies.
One of the important themes of the consultation was the need to strengthen collaboration among universities, industry, and other stakeholders involved in innovation and technological advancement.
Such collaboration can help connect academic research with practical applications, improve opportunities for knowledge exchange, and support the development of skills that respond to changing labour-market and industry demands.
For higher education institutions, these partnerships can create opportunities to enhance research relevance, promote innovation-oriented learning, and support the practical application of technological knowledge.
The University of Hargeisa recognizes the value of these collaborative approaches in strengthening the relationship between education, research, and national development priorities.
The University of Hargeisa continues to recognize innovation, research, and technological development as important components of its academic and institutional mission.
Through its College of Engineering, Computing and Information Technology, the University contributes to the development of technical knowledge and professional competencies in areas relevant to digital transformation and technological advancement.
Participation in the Somaliland Innovation Zone strategy consultation aligns with the University’s broader commitment to strengthening research collaboration, supporting knowledge exchange, and contributing academic expertise to initiatives of national importance.
By engaging in strategic discussions such as this consultation, the University seeks to support stronger connections between higher education, technological progress, and sustainable socioeconomic development.
The Somaliland Innovation Zone Innovation Strategy 2026–2030 is intended to provide a framework for advancing innovation and strengthening cooperation among stakeholders over the coming years.
The consultation represents a step in the strategy-development process, allowing participating institutions to contribute perspectives and identify priorities that may inform the final strategic framework.
For the University of Hargeisa, participation provides an opportunity to contribute academic perspectives to discussions on digital talent development, applied research, innovation capacity, and institutional collaboration.
The University remains committed to supporting initiatives that encourage innovation, strengthen technological capabilities, and promote sustainable development in Somaliland.
University of Hargeisa — Advancing Knowledge, Innovation, and Sustainable Development.
