China Grants Record Scholarships to Somali Students, Boosting Education Ties

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has hailed China’s decision to award scholarships to nearly 70 Somali students this year, the highest number to date, saying the support will strengthen the country’s education sector and provide critical skills for rebuilding the nation.

The students, recipients of the China Scholarship Council and MOFCOM programmes, were honoured at a reception in Mogadishu attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education.

Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu said the exchange would deepen cooperation between the two countries and help equip Somalia’s youth with knowledge to drive national development.

Somali officials encouraged the students to make use of the opportunity to gain expertise and return to contribute at home. Many of those selected were among the country’s top performers in national exams.

The government said the programme highlights the role of international partnerships in addressing gaps in higher education and training, as Somalia works to recover from decades of conflict and underinvestment in schools and universities.