No Poverty (SDG 1)
Empowering Communities Through Education
Zamzam University of Science and Technology (ZUST) believes that education is the most powerful tool for lifting individuals and communities out of poverty. Through scholarships, financial aid, student support programs, and community-based initiatives, ZUST is committed to ensuring that no capable student is denied access to higher education because of financial hardship. The University’s actions directly advance SDG 1 – No Poverty, while also contributing to social equity and sustainable development across Somalia.
1.2 – Proportion of Students Receiving Financial Aid
| Year | Total Students (FTE) | Low-Income Students Receiving Aid (FTE) | Proportion of Beneficiaries (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 ,439 | 830 | 24.1 % |
| 2026 | 3 ,720 | 960 | 25.8 % |
ZUST operates several need-based support systems, including:
- Qard Hasan (Interest-Free Loan) Scheme enabling payment after graduation.
- Scholarships funded by Zamzam Foundation, NAMA Foundation, TİKA, and Bulsho SACCO.
- Student Assistant Programme offering on-campus employment linked to financial need.
These mechanisms ensure that hundreds of students from disadvantaged and internally displaced families can pursue degrees each year.
1.3 – University Anti-Poverty Programmes
1.3.1 – Admissions Targets for Low-Income Students
ZUST partners with Zamzam Foundation and Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) to sponsor 300 students from low-income and internally displaced families (2024/25 intake). While no explicit percentage target is yet formalised, these scholarships demonstrate ZUST’s intent to prioritise access for Somalia’s most vulnerable youth.
Evidence: SDG 1-3 1.pdf
1.3.2 – Graduation and Completion Targets
ZUST’s Policy on Graduation Rate of Students from Low-Income Families (2024) sets measurable objectives:
- 70 % completion rate among low-income students by 2027.
- 85 % annual retention for aid recipients.
- Reduction of completion-rate gap to ≤ 10 % versus the overall student body.
Progress is tracked by the Quality Assurance Department using annual FTE data.
Evidence: ZUST-GL-2024-07 Policy on Graduation Rate of Students from Low-Income Families
1.3.3 – Student Support Services
Under the Social Support Initiative, ZUST provides free and subsidised assistance including:
- Financial Aid and Academic Advising
- Free Transportation
- Mental Health Counselling
- Graduation Support for low-income students
These services help students focus on learning and personal well-being.
Evidence: University Student Support Services
1.3.4 – Programs to Assist Low-Income Students to Complete Studies
ZUST offers a wide range of scholarships, financial aid, tutoring, and career services through the ZUST Financial Aid Program. These programs aim to support academic success, though tuition-freeze policies are not currently in place. Evidence: Programs to Assist Low-Income Students to Complete Studies
1.3.5 – Schemes for Students from Low or Lower-Middle Income Countries
ZUST extends its financial-aid model to international students from low-income regions, providing grants and bursaries similar to those offered to domestic students.
Evidence: ZUST Financial Aid Program
1.4 – Community Anti-Poverty Programs
1.4.1 – Supporting Local Entrepreneurs
Through the BINA Business Incubation Centre, ZUST offers free mentorship, training, and facility access to local entrepreneurs, empowering them to build socially and financially sustainable businesses.
evidence: Supporting Sustainable Entrepreneurship in the Community
1.4.2 – Financial Assistance for Business Start-Ups
ZUST provides micro-grants and advisory support to community members launching sustainable enterprises, combining technical mentorship with small financial packages.
Evidence: Zamzam University Supports Local Entrepreneurs
1.4.3 – Training to Improve Access to Basic Services
The University organises awareness campaigns and workshops—such as the World Food Day Forum on Food Security and Innovation—to enhance community access to food, clean water, and health services.
Evidence: Community Programs
1.4.4 – Participation in Policy Making
ZUST contributes to local and national development policy through collaborations with ministries, regional administrations, and NGOs. Recent initiatives include a Collaborative Climate Action Plan with the Somali Southwest State and Garasbaaley District.
Evidence: Policy Participation to End Poverty in All Its Dimensions
Conclusion
Zamzam University of Science and Technology demonstrates that higher education can be a decisive force in ending poverty. Through financial-aid schemes, retention and graduation targets, and strong community partnerships, ZUST not only expands access to learning but also empowers individuals and communities to achieve sustainable livelihoods. These initiatives reflect the University’s enduring mission: to transform lives through inclusive, equitable, and sustainable education in Somalia.