The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has entered into a formal cooperation agreement with Somalia’s Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education to enhance collaboration in higher education and academic development. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in a ceremony attended by UDST President Dr. Salem bin Nasser al-Naemi and Somalia’s Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir.

The agreement, signed by UDST Vice-President (Academics) Dr. Rachid Benlamri and Somalia’s director-general for higher education Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamud, establishes a framework for joint initiatives in academic programme development, faculty professional training, and academic quality assurance. It specifically targets the creation of diploma-level programmes across five disciplines: Information Technology, Information Systems, Construction Engineering, Electric Power and Renewable Energy Engineering Technology, and Healthcare Management.

Dr. Benlamri highlighted UDST’s commitment to advancing applied education by fostering international partnerships and facilitating knowledge exchange. The collaboration aims not only to develop academic offerings but also to support the professional growth of faculty members at Somali institutions.

A key component of the partnership is the establishment of a joint, co-branded academic institute based in Somalia. This institute is designed to solidify academic cooperation and contribute to the broader development of Somalia’s higher education sector.

Mohamud described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening higher education in Somalia, emphasizing that Somali students and institutions will benefit from access to UDST’s expertise and resources. The collaboration reflects ongoing efforts to enhance educational infrastructure and capacity-building in the country.