Summary: Charting Somali Universities to the Sustainable Development Goals (2014–2024)

Authors:   Abdiwahab Isak Hassan, Abdikafi Hassan Abdi, and Abdullahi Mohamed Nor.

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This study examines how Somali universities have contributed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) over the period 2014–2024, using publication data indexed in Scopus. By analyzing research output, collaboration patterns, and thematic focus areas, the study provides one of the first data-driven mappings of Somalia’s higher education sector against global development priorities.

The findings show a steady increase in research productivity from Somali universities over the past decade, reflecting gradual growth in academic capacity despite ongoing structural challenges. Most publications are concentrated in areas such as health, education, agriculture, and environmental studies—fields closely aligned with key SDGs including good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and zero hunger (SDG 2).

However, the study also highlights important gaps. Contributions to goals related to industry, innovation, infrastructure (SDG 9), and climate action (SDG 13) remain relatively limited. Research output is often driven by international collaborations, indicating both the benefits of global partnerships and the need to strengthen local research ecosystems.

The analysis further reveals that a small number of institutions account for a large share of publications, suggesting uneven research capacity across the higher education sector. Limited funding, infrastructure constraints, and access to research resources continue to affect overall performance.

Overall, the study underscores that Somali universities are increasingly engaging with global development agendas, but targeted investment, policy support, and capacity building are essential to broaden their impact. Strengthening research alignment with underrepresented SDGs and enhancing institutional collaboration within Somalia could significantly improve the sector’s contribution to sustainable development.