By Goth Mohamed Goth
Hargeisa – The Somaliland Education Investment Summit opened today at the Serena Sarovar Hotel in Hargeisa, bringing together government institutions, the private sector, education stakeholders, international organizations, and other partners to discuss strengthening education financing, improving education quality, and expanding learning opportunities for children in Somaliland.
The two-day summit aims to reinforce investment in education, raise the quality of education, and broaden opportunities for students at various levels of learning.
Speaking at the summit, Edna Adan addressed participants, emphasizing the importance of education investment. The Presidential Advisor on Financial Affairs also spoke at the event, as did Xaliimo Weheliye, a representative of the Somaliland Consortium, who addressed the summit’s platform.
Binyam Gebru, Senior Director of Programme Quality and Impact at Save the Children, urged the Somaliland Government to increase education spending from 6.5% to at least 8% of the national budget in 2027, moving toward the 15–20% benchmark. “Partner support cannot replace government investment in children. Government investment is key to making lasting progress. Let us leave Hargeisa with clear decisions, not just statements,” he said.
Somaliland Vice President Mohamed Aw-Ali Abdi participated in the 2026 Education Investment Summit in Hargeisa, which focuses on advancing education and creating meaningful learning opportunities for the community. The summit, which will run for two days, was attended by ministers from the Somaliland government concerned with education, as well as other distinguished guests.
In his keynote address, Vice President Mohamed Aw-Ali Abdi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing national education, describing education as a cornerstone of social progress and the country’s future.
“It is a pleasure to participate today in this summit of national importance. As a government, we are committed to advancing education in the country and to securing quality learning opportunities,” he said.
“If one wants to destroy a nation, its destruction begins with education, so that generations emerge without sufficient knowledge and education. Education is not merely about learning to read and write; it is the foundation for nurturing a person’s intellect, building their capabilities, and preparing them to play a productive role in the progress of their community and nation.”
The Vice President underscored the critical importance of education in nation-building, noting that investment in education is not merely an expense but an investment in the future—one that builds and nurtures knowledge, capacity, and the progress of Somaliland society.
