DP World boosts Somaliland’s education with new science lab
Dubai-based global port operator DP World has taken a significant step toward strengthening STEM education and research capacity in Somaliland by inaugurating a modern science laboratory at the Sheikh University of Science and Technology. The new facility was officially opened on 27 October 2025, fulfilling a commitment first announced in 2022 and underscoring the company’s long-term investment in educational and community development in the Horn of Africa.
The US $250,000 laboratory, located in the mountainous Sahil region town of Sheikh, is designed to enhance hands-on learning and research capabilities in a range of vital scientific and technical disciplines. These include petroleum and mining engineering, hydrology, environmental sciences, and information and communication technology, all fields that are essential for Somaliland’s economic growth and sustainable development. As Somaliland’s infrastructure and natural resource sectors evolve, the lab aims to equip students with practical skills that go beyond traditional classroom learning.
According to Supachai Wattanaveerachai, CEO of DP World Horn of Africa, the project reflects the company’s commitment to education as a driver of sustainable growth. He emphasised that investing in STEM education will help build a generation of skilled, innovative leaders capable of shaping Somaliland’s future. Wattanaveerachai highlighted that the lab will not only expand academic opportunities but also foster long-term community impact by creating pathways for students to contribute meaningfully to local and regional development.
The event was attended by government officials, university representatives, and community stakeholders, illustrating broad support for the initiative. The inauguration ceremony underscored a growing recognition among public and private sectors that education and economic development are deeply interconnected. Many attendees celebrated the project as a symbolic investment in Somaliland’s human capital, an investment that complements broader infrastructure and trade efforts in the region.
The new laboratory expands upon DP World’s existing educational portfolio in Somaliland, which includes scholarship programmes at institutions such as Abaarso Secondary School and Barwaqo University. These initiatives are part of a fellowship programme running from 2017 through 2031, aimed at supporting talented students and expanding access to quality education. By integrating practical training and academic excellence, these programmes seek to nurture future professionals in science, technology, engineering, and other high-impact fields.
Beyond education, DP World continues to invest in Somaliland’s trade infrastructure, including the Berbera Economic Zone (BEZ) and plans for an edible oil terminal. These projects are expected to strengthen the national trade ecosystem, create employment opportunities, and further diversify the economy. The company’s activities in both education and infrastructure development reflect a broader belief that social progress and economic growth must go hand in hand.
In summary, the launch of the Sheikh University science lab represents a milestone in Somaliland’s journey toward enhanced research and STEM education. It highlights how public-private partnerships can deliver high-impact social investment, empower students with future-ready skills, and contribute to the long-term development of emerging regions.
