Somalia Accelerates National Skills Development to Tackle Youth Unemployment

Mogadishu – The Federal Government of Somalia has formally accelerated its national strategy for skills development and job creation, with the newly established National Committee for Skills Development and Employment holding its inaugural meeting today. The committee, composed of representatives from 13 federal ministries, convened to discuss a coordinated approach to equipping Somali workers with market-relevant competencies and addressing the country’s chronic unemployment challenges.

The initiative signals a major policy shift toward tackling one of Somalia’s most pressing socio-economic issues: a rapidly growing youth population with limited access to formal employment opportunities. With an estimated 70 percent of Somalis under the age of 30, the government faces immense pressure to create sustainable livelihoods and reduce the economic vulnerabilities that extremist groups exploit for recruitment.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre appointed the committee on July 18, 2026, tasking it with coordinating federal efforts across multiple sectors to bridge the gap between education, training, and labor market needs. The committee, chaired by the Prime Minister’s Office, brings together ministries including Education, Labor , Agriculture, Commerce, and Telecommunications to ensure a unified policy framework.

Following the virtual meeting, committee officials outlined a comprehensive strategy focusing on digital technology, ICT, manufacturing, agriculture, livestock, and business innovation. The plan emphasizes aligning training programs with market demands and technological changes, moving away from generic curricula toward targeted, industry-specific skill development.