The University of Bosaso Garowe (UOBG) was established in 2012 as a private higher education institution in Puntland, Somalia. Within a short period, it has grown into one of the most respected universities in the country, widely recognized for its professionalism, quality service delivery, and commitment to innovation. Over the past decade, the University has expanded into six faculties, offering diverse programs ranging from health sciences and technology to commerce, law, education, and the social sciences. It is fully recognized by both the Puntland State Government and the Federal Government of Somalia, and maintains strong academic and institutional linkages with regional and international universities, including Kampala International University, Makerere University, Mount Kenya University, and UNICEF-supported initiatives. This foundation of credibility has allowed the University to play an important role in shaping higher education and knowledge production in Somalia.
In 2018, the University launched the Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Research (CIER). This center was created to nurture creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and research engagement among students and graduates, providing a platform for transforming ideas into viable projects. While CIER laid important groundwork in inspiring young innovators and entrepreneurs, the context of Somalia’s recovery revealed the need for a more comprehensive and development-oriented approach. Decades of conflict and state collapse left the country with weakened institutions, fragile economies, and pressing societal challenges that could not be solved by entrepreneurship alone. There was a growing demand for a center that would go beyond innovation and business incubation, and instead focus on applied research, development practice, and knowledge transfer as a pathway to national recovery.
It was against this backdrop that CIER was re-envisioned and restructured as the Centre for Applied Development, Innovation and Research (CADIR). The new identity reflects a broader mandate: to serve as a hub where academic knowledge, practical innovation, and community-driven development intersect. CADIR seeks to promote applied research that addresses urgent local needs, encourage innovation that contributes directly to social and economic transformation, and create channels for knowledge transfer that can inform policy, strengthen institutions, and improve service delivery.
Ultimately, CADIR is not just a university-based research center. It is a bridge between academia and society, a space where knowledge is translated into action, and a platform for empowering individuals and institutions to contribute meaningfully to Somalia’s post-conflict reconstruction. By aligning with the University of Bosaso’s mission, CADIR represents a bold step towards building a resilient, innovative, and knowledge-driven future for Somalia.