University of Hargeisa joins the GCUA 2030 network

Founded in 1998 and operational since 2000, the University of Hargeisa has grown into the largest and leading university in Somaliland, serving more than 8,000 students and producing over 17,000 graduates. With seven colleges, sixteen faculties, and offering 70 undergraduate and graduate programmes, the university has established itself as a regional centre for academic excellence and innovation.

The University of Hargeisa joins GCUA 2030 with a strong vision of becoming a leading university and knowledge hub in the Horn of Africa. Its mission—to advance knowledge through excellence in teaching and learning, innovative research, entrepreneurship, and active community engagement—aligns closely with the network's objectives of strengthening African higher education institutions and fostering impactful international collaboration.

Over the past several years, the university has significantly expanded its research portfolio, publishing more than 120 research outputs across health sciences, education, agriculture, engineering, business, social sciences, and law during 2024–2025. Its researchers are actively engaged in addressing some of the region's most pressing challenges, including climate resilience, public health, refugee protection, post-conflict societies, access to justice, and transitional justice.

The university also maintains an extensive network of more than 100 partnerships with universities and institutions worldwide. Through collaborations supported by initiatives such as Erasmus+, Danish-funded BSU IV, Danida, UNHCR, and other international programmes, the institution continues to strengthen research capacity, promote academic mobility, and enhance institutional development.

As a new member of GCUA 2030, the University of Hargeisa will contribute valuable expertise from the Horn of Africa while benefiting from expanded opportunities for collaborative research, staff and student exchanges, joint capacity-building initiatives, and interdisciplinary partnerships across the consortium.

"We are delighted to welcome the University of Hargeisa to the GCUA 2030 network," says Paul Egan, programme coordinator for GCUA 2030. "The university's remarkable growth, commitment to quality education, and dedication to research that addresses societal challenges make it an outstanding addition to our network. We look forward to working together to advance sustainable development through higher education and international collaboration."

The addition of the University of Hargeisa reinforces GCUA 2030's growing network of African and international partner institutions committed to delivering transformative education, fostering innovation, and generating knowledge that contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The GCUA 2030 consortium warmly welcomes the University of Hargeisa and looks forward to a productive and impactful partnership in the years ahead.