DOHA — The Federal Government of Somalia and the State of Qatar have signed a new cooperation agreement aimed at laying the foundation for the establishment of the Somalia University of Technology (TUS University), a major initiative designed to expand higher education and technical skills development in Somalia.
The agreement was signed in Doha between Somalia’s Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education and University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST). Under the partnership, UDST will provide technical and academic support to Somalia in developing and implementing the new university.
Focus on Technology and Specialized Fields
The planned Somalia University of Technology is expected to provide high-quality technical, professional and applied education, with a strong focus on disciplines that are considered important to Somalia’s future economic development.
During the first phase, the university is expected to prioritize fields including:
- Information and communication technology
- Marine sciences
- Aviation
- Petroleum and oil-related studies
- Engineering
- Energy
- Health management
The initiative is intended to create a new generation of Somali professionals equipped with practical skills that can respond to the country’s growing labor-market needs.
Qatar University to Support Curriculum and Quality Assurance
As part of the agreement, the University of Doha for Science and Technology will play a central role in supporting the academic development of the institution.
Its responsibilities are expected to include assistance with curriculum development, teacher training, quality assurance and certification systems. The partnership will also place significant emphasis on strengthening the capacity of Somali educators.
Somali teachers and academic staff will receive training intended to prepare them to take on future teaching, administrative and leadership responsibilities within the new university.
Part of Somalia’s National Transformation Plan
The agreement forms part of Somalia’s National Transformation Plan 2025–2029, which places emphasis on improving the quality of education, expanding professional skills and developing human capital capable of supporting Somalia’s economic transformation.
The government views technical and vocational education as an important component of addressing unemployment and the skills gap among young Somalis.
The new university could also provide opportunities for students to pursue specialized education within Somalia rather than having to travel abroad for certain technical and professional programs.
Strengthening Somalia-Qatar Cooperation
The agreement also represents another area of cooperation between Somalia and Qatar, with education and human-capital development becoming an increasingly important component of bilateral relations.
Somalia’s Ministry of Education expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Qatar for their continued support and cooperation with Somalia.
The signing ceremony was attended by Somalia’s Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education, Somalia’s Ambassador to Qatar, and senior officials from the University of Doha for Science and Technology.
If successfully implemented, the Somalia University of Technology could become an important national institution for producing engineers, technology specialists, aviation professionals, marine experts, energy specialists and other skilled workers needed to support Somalia’s long-term development.
