Somalia, 24 May 2026 Somalia’s federal government on Saturday inaugurated the Somali Maritime Science Institute in Mogadishu, marking the country’s first formal institution dedicated to marine science education and maritime resource management.
The institute, launched by the Ministry of Transport and Ports, is expected to train a new generation of Somali professionals in maritime studies, ocean management and the sustainable development of the country’s marine resources.
Officials said the institute would help address a longstanding shortage of qualified maritime specialists in Somalia, which possesses Africa’s longest coastline but has historically lacked formal marine science institutions.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the Minister of Transport and Ports said the government aims to secure international recognition for the institute’s academic programmes and maritime certifications.
“We hope the maritime programmes and diplomas offered here will receive recognition from universities and institutions around the world,” the minister said. “Likewise, the Somali seafarer registry will gain broader international recognition.”
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The Ministries of Education and Transport also pledged to establish a dedicated campus for the institute, saying it would serve as a national centre for maritime science training and research.
Officials said the initiative comes as Somalia seeks to expand its maritime sector and strengthen technical expertise, particularly following the growth of the country’s officially registered fleet to ten vessels.
The government also stressed the importance of maritime expertise within state institutions, saying technical positions in relevant ministries and agencies should increasingly be filled by qualified personnel with maritime knowledge.
The institute will admit students from across Somalia’s federal member states, offering young Somalis opportunities to participate in the management and development of the country’s maritime economy.

