Somalia and Djibouti on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in higher education and research, expanding academic exchanges and building institutional capacity in both countries.

The agreement was signed in Mogadishu by Somalia’s Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education, Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir, and Djibouti’s Minister of Higher Education and Research, Nabil Mohamed Ahmed, officials said.

The agreement also provides for the development of joint degree programs at bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, along with streamlined arrangements for scholarships and the mutual recognition of academic qualifications.

Both governments committed to protecting intellectual property generated through joint research, in line with national legislation and international agreements.

Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir said the agreement builds on the historic and fraternal ties between Somalia and Djibouti and will help improve the quality of higher education and strengthen research capacity in Somalia.

Nabil Mohamed Ahmed said the partnership would create wider opportunities for students and faculty in both countries and contribute to regional knowledge-sharing and development.

Officials described the MoU as part of broader efforts by Mogadishu and Djibouti to deepen strategic cooperation and invest in the future of younger generations through education and research.