As part of our ongoing commitment to regional integration and inclusive innovation in East Africa, the 3is project carried out a mission to Hargeisa, Somalia. The visit focused on strengthening partnerships between higher education institutions, public authorities, and local stakeholders through knowledge exchange and collaborative dialogue.

At the University of Hargeisa, our delegation was warmly welcomed by President Dr. Mohamud Yusuf Muse and senior academic staff, including Nasra Jama Saed, Mohamed Ahmed Sulub, and Nasir Mohamed Ali. Together, we explored ways to promote innovation in education, empower youth, and foster institutional collaboration. A highlight was our exchange with the Ignite Career Hub, where we identified shared goals around skills development and employability.

Tourism and sustainable development were central themes of the visit. Jaume Guia, 3is project coordinator from the University of Girona, presented Somalia’s potential as a tourism destination, stressing the importance of reshaping perceptions while preserving cultural heritage. Joaquim Soler Subils, also from the University of Girona, shared his experience documenting rock art in Western Sahara refugee camps, highlighting the balance between heritage protection and public access.

Productive discussions followed at the Ministry of Trade and Tourism with Deputy Minister Faysal Maxamuud Siciid, Director General Abdirashid Ibrahim Abdirahman, and Ayanle Abdirahman. We discussed how the 3is project supports regional visibility and stakeholder coordination in tourism. Youthmakers Hub, a consortium partner, also shared insights from their youth engagement work across Africa.

The visit included a stop at Berbera Port, Somalia’s key trade hub, where we met with Director Said Hassan to better understand the port’s regional role. We also engaged with the Deputy Governor of Saahil Region, Mohamoud Hindi Aw Aden Hussein, who expressed support for the 3is project and its efforts in Hargeisa and Berbera.

We concluded the mission with workshops at the University of Hargeisa focused on internationalization, digital transformation, and inclusive education. These sessions reflected the spirit of the 3is project: building connections, exchanging ideas, and empowering institutions to become engines of sustainable change.