SomaliREN Concludes Successful Annual General Meeting in Nairobi

The Somali Research and Education Network (SomaliREN) has successfully concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM), held from February 23–24, 2025, at MAA Hotel & Suites in Nairobi, Kenya. The high-level meeting brought together over 40 representatives from SomaliREN member institutions alongside key development partners and international stakeholders.

The AGM served as a strategic platform for SomaliREN’s Board and Council members to review the network’s progress, assess current initiatives, and chart a roadmap for the coming years. With a focus on strengthening digital connectivity, research collaboration, and education infrastructure, the meeting underscored SomaliREN’s pivotal role in shaping the future of the country’s knowledge economy.

Representatives from the World Bank, UNESCO, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the African Development Bank participated in the sessions and shared insights on regional connectivity, digital transformation, and funding opportunities for education and research in Somalia. The presence of international partners further reinforced SomaliREN’s commitment to working closely with global stakeholders to build resilient and inclusive digital ecosystems across Somali research and education community.

Among the highlights of the meeting was the endorsement of new strategic initiatives aimed at expanding SomaliREN’s services, strengthening institutional capacity, and fostering international collaboration.

SomaliREN continues to serve as the national research and education network (NREN) for Somalia, connecting universities, research centers, and public institutions to high-speed internet and collaborative platforms that support learning, innovation, and development.

As the meeting concluded, members reaffirmed their shared vision of a digitally empowered Somalia and expressed optimism for the network’s expanding role in advancing research, education, and national development.