On July 1st, 2025, Somalia commemorated 65 years of independence—a day steeped in patriotic pride and reflection.
The country honored the legacy of the Somali Youth League (SYL), the trailblazing activists who imagined a sovereign nation long before independence became reality.
Somali Youth Face Contrasting Realities
Amid the celebrations, a painful contradiction emerged: over 40,000 Somali students sat for national secondary exams, signaling a promising future—but just days before, two young graduates tragically drowned while migrating abroad in search of employment.
These contrasting realities shine a spotlight on Somalia’s most urgent challenge: youth unemployment.
The Youth Dilemma: Promise or Peril?
With over 70% of the population under 30, Somalia has one of the youngest demographics globally. Unfortunately, more than two-thirds of Somali youth are unemployed, posing both a development and security threat.
Lessons from the Arab Spring remind us: when young, educated citizens face economic hardship, instability often follows.
Extremist recruitment, forced migration, and violence thrive where opportunity is absent. Addressing youth unemployment is not just a development goal—it’s a national security imperative.
Economic Empowerment: The New Security Strategy
Somalia’s battle with insecurity often focuses on military solutions.
Yet economic exclusion—especially among young people—is a root cause.
A stable paycheck can be more persuasive than ideology.
Investing in youth is investing in peace:
- Economic inclusion reduces recruitment by extremist groups.
- Job creation fosters dignity, stability, and long-term growth.
Policy Recommendations: Empowering Somali Youth
To transform youth potential into national progress, Somalia must adopt actionable, inclusive strategies. Here’s a blueprint for building jobs and resilience:
1. National Youth Employment Strategy
- Implement public works initiatives.
- Support apprenticeships with government and local businesses.
- Expand vocational training aligned with labor market needs.
2. Support Youth Entrepreneurship
- Offer microgrants and startup financing.
- Reduce red tape for youth-led enterprises.
- Establish innovation hubs nationwide.
3. Align Education with Market Demands
- Update curricula to teach critical thinking and business skills.
- Expand access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
- Create partnerships between schools and employers for job placement.
4. Embrace Digital & Green Economies
- Train youth in ICT, AI, e-commerce, and digital marketing.
- Promote climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy skills.
- Fund youth-led green initiatives with competitions and subsidies.
5. Launch a Youth Peace and Development Corps
- Mobilize young people for civic projects.
- Offer leadership and peacebuilding training.
- Provide stipends and career development pathways.
6. Institutionalize Youth Participation
- Form a National Youth Advisory Council tied to executive leadership.
- Mandate youth representation in local governance.
- Require youth quotas on public boards and policy councils.
7. Engage the Somali Diaspora
- Create a “Return to Serve” mentorship program.
- Connect diaspora graduates with local youth.
- Promote digital platforms for skill-sharing and project collaboration.
Progress in Motion: Youth-Focused Initiatives in Somalia
Exciting projects are already underway:
| Program | Focus | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| IMPACT (EU, 2025) | Green skills & TVET | 12,500 youth trained in sustainable jobs |
| TVET+ (Germany, 2021–2026) | Vocational hubs & business support | Hubs launched in Galkayo, Jowhar & Baidoa |
| UNICEF UPSHIFT | Entrepreneurial youth empowerment | Greenhouse farms and micro-enterprises created |
Scaling these efforts nationwide with strong public-private partnerships is essential to ensuring equal access and sustainable job creation.
Independence Without Opportunity: The SYL’s Unfinished Dream
Back in 1960, the Somali Youth League envisioned independence as a gateway to dignity, justice, and self-determination for Somali youth. Today, that mission remains incomplete.
Too many young Somalis see their futures abroad—or worse, in conflict. But with bold vision and committed leadership, Somalia can reverse the tide.
What is the real key to lasting peace?
Giving Somali youth a reason to believe in—and build—a better tomorrow.
The Time to Act Is Now
As Somalia honors its 65th year of independence, it’s time to advance beyond ceremonial celebrations.
Let this anniversary be remembered not just as a milestone—but as a launchpad for youth transformation.
Somalia’s future will be defined not just by its borders, but by the opportunities it provides to the generation that will shape its destiny.
