“Investment Research Collaborative Meeting”

The Frist Meeting in 10TH MARCH 2025 AT ALI JIRDER HOTEL, Hargeisa

The Building Collaborative Research Meeting was a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and research-driven investment among key stakeholders in Somaliland. The event brought together government ministries, academic institutions, researchers, private sector representatives, and independent experts to explore ways to integrate research into national development strategies. By facilitating discussions on investment-backed research, industrial innovation, and evidence-based policymaking, the meeting served as a platform for aligning research efforts with Somaliland’s economic priorities. It emphasized the need for data-driven decision-making, public- private partnerships, and enhanced university-industry collaboration to promote sustainable economic growth and industrial development. The conference was jointly organized by the Ministry of Investment and Industrial Development (MOIID) and the Somaliland Higher Education Commission (SHEC), reflecting a unified approach to bridging the gap between academic research and practical investment strategies. The event laid the foundation for ongoing collaborative research efforts, policy reforms, and strategic investment planning, ensuring that research plays a central role in Somaliland’s economic transformation.

Participants, including government officials, academics, private sector representatives, and researchers, engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue on the key findings and recommendations presented. Several stakeholders commended the Ministry of Investment and Industrial Development’s R&D Department for conducting a comprehensive analysis on Somaliland’s investment potential. They emphasized the importance of using research-driven insights to shape policies and attract investors. Participants also highlighted the need for regular investment research updates, ensuring that economic trends and sectoral opportunities remain accurate and relevant. One of the recurring themes in the discussion was the role of higher education institutions in investment planning. University representatives reiterated their commitment to conducting research that aligns with national economic priorities, calling for stronger collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector. There was also a strong emphasis on bridging the gap between research and implementation, ensuring that feasibility studies and policy recommendations are acted upon rather than remaining theoretical.