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.
“We are committed to building a skilled workforce that can meet domestic needs and reduce our heavy reliance on imported labor and services,” a senior official from the Prime Minister’s Office told reporters after the meeting, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This is a critical step toward economic self-sufficiency and sustainable development.”
The initiative is expected to prioritize youth and women, who face the highest barriers to employment. By fostering entrepreneurship and technical skills, the government aims to expand the tax base, attract investment, and create a more resilient economy that can withstand external shocks.
The inaugural session lays the groundwork for implementation, with the committee expected to develop a detailed action plan in the coming weeks, including identifying priority sectors for investment and establishing partnerships with the private sector and international donors. This comprehensive approach reflects a recognition that job creation must be central to Somalia’s broader state-building and stabilization efforts.