Knowledge and Experience Sharing: Youthmakers Hub in Somaliland

Our recent visit to Hargeisa, Somaliland as part of the 3is project was a journey full of knowledge and experience sharing. Through dynamic exchanges with local leaders, policymakers, and academic stakeholders, we explored avenues to advance regional integration and promote opportunities for collaboration.

At the University of Hargeisa, we were welcomed by key figures, including Dr. Mohamud Yusuf Muse, the President/Rector; Nasra Jama Saed, Dean of the College of Business and Public Administration; Mohamed Ahmed Sulub, Director of Corporate Communication & International collaboration/ Senior Lecturer at the College of Business and PA; and Nasir Mohamed Ali, Director of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies. Together, we engaged in meaningful discussions about fostering innovation in education and youth-driven initiatives. A particularly inspiring session took place with the Ignite Career Hub, where we exchanged insights on our respective projects and identified new ways to collaborate.

A central part of our visit involved presentations highlighting the intersection of tourism and sustainable development. Jaume Guia, the 3is Project Coordinator from the University of Girona, shared a compelling vision for Somaliland’s tourism potential, emphasizing the importance of changing perceptions to attract investment and expertise. He emphasized the significance of preserving cultural heritage and protecting indigenous identities while exploring opportunities for tourism growth in post-conflict areas.

Complementing this, Joaquim Soler Subils, Associate Professor at the University of Girona, shared his experience working with rock art in Western Sahara refugee camps. His presentation emphasized the delicate balance between safeguarding historical heritage and ensuring accessibility for visitors.

Our visit to the Ministry of Trade and Tourism in Hargeisa was equally insightful. We engaged with senior officials, including Faysal Maxamuud Siciid, Deputy Minister; Abdirashid Ibrahim Abdirahman, Director General; and Ayanle Abdirahman, Director of Archaeology and Heritage Protection. Together, we explored the contributions of the 3is project to regional integration and discussed how stronger collaboration among tourism actors could enhance Somaliland’s visibility as a destination. Additionally, we shared Youthmakers Hub’s ongoing efforts across Africa, focusing on initiatives that empower young people and open new opportunities.

We also had the opportunity to visit Berbera Port, a vital economic hub in Somaliland. Interacting with the port’s management and the Director of Port Authority, Said Hassan, gave us a deeper understanding of its operations and potential role in regional trade and development. Another notable moment was our meeting with Mohamoud Hindi Aw Aden Hussein, the Deputy Governor of Saahil Region, where we presented the 3is project and its activities in Hargeisa and Berbera. 

We concluded our visit at the University of Hargeisa with collaborative sessions designed to inspire and educate. Jaume Guia led a presentation on internationalization, inclusivity, and digitalization in higher education institutions while our team shared Youthmakers Hub’s experiences in Africa and Europe. 

By exchanging knowledge and experiences, we’ve taken another significant step in our mission to realize the vision of the 3is project: fostering inclusivity, inspiring innovation, and creating lasting impact.