On 6-7 November, Youthmakers Hub participated in the Closing Event of the 3is project (Inclusive, Impactful, Integrated Higher Education in Eastern Africa) in Gondar, Ethiopia, marking the end of a two-year journey to strengthen higher education systems across Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Co-founder and CEO Konstantinos Maragkos represented the organization, joining consortium partners, higher education institutions, and stakeholders to reflect on achievements, share lessons learned, and explore pathways for long-term sustainability.

Throughout the discussions, partners highlighted how the project supported institutions in designing tailored policy instruments and action plans in areas such as internationalization, inclusiveness, academic excellence, and community engagement. Participating institutions shared how the newly developed strategies are already influencing institutional practices, from improving access for students with fewer opportunities to strengthening partnerships with local communities and industries. 

A key highlight of the Closing Event was the presentation of the exploitation plan and the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab App as a good practice in digital innovation for youth engagement. Developed by Youthmakers Hub, the app was presented as a practical example of how technology can complement higher education capacity-building efforts, extending impact beyond institutions and directly reaching young people.

The Closing Event confirmed that the 3is project is not an endpoint but a foundation for continued collaboration. The tools, strategies, and partnerships developed throughout the project are expected to guide future initiatives in higher education capacity building across the region.