Youth Unemployment and Security in Somalia — What You Need To Know

Have you read our latest report on Youth Unemployment and Security in Somalia? It is available in both Somali and English. However, here’s a quick rundown of the report’s findings and recommendations…

For decades, the Somali people have experienced extreme poverty, high unemployment, and a low level of human development. Somalia has one of the youngest populations globally, with more than 80 percent of the population below the age of 35.

With the proper education, skills, and employment opportunities, young Somalis have the potential to be a source of social progress, development, and economic growth in their country. However, the evidence presented in multiple studies point to the under-development and under-utilization of Somalia youth’s human capital.

Based on surveys in seven major cities in Somalia, this report explains the dynamics, depth, scope, and salience of youth unemployment in the country. It further discusses the vulnerability of unemployed youth to recruitment by violent groups as well as extremism, clan violence, armed political militancy, and armed robbery.

The research explores the prospects for employment programs that can help prevent youth from participating in violent conflicts.

Nearly 70 percent of young Somalis surveyed were unemployed. Among the participants of the study, unemployment was more pronounced in young women than men.

Those surveyed reported that overall lack of jobs and nepotism in both the public and private sectors as the two main reasons for youth unemployment. As a result, many young people are deeply frustrated by the injustice of the dysfunctional labor market, which created a sense of economic marginalization and grievance.

We also found that lack of skills development and experience among youth inhibits them from gaining employment.

Like many other countries across the globe, the results of this study indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the chances of Somali youth getting jobs, with 67 percent of the young people surveyed noting that the pandemic has made it more challenging for them to find work.

This report found that factors related to youth unemployment are drivers of violent conflict, undermining the long-term prospects of security and stability in Somalia.

The youth surveyed for this report affirmed that violent crime is widespread and is the main security issue they face. Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed reported unemployment as the main driver for youth joining violent groups. This implies that, in the absence of a legal source of income, young people resort to violent crime as a means of livelihood and survival.

This report also finds that the creation of employment programs would contribute to peace. A striking 70 percent pointed to employment programs as the cornerstones for abating security challenges of the country.

Other report findings showed that 34 percent of youths surveyed said that independent/self-employment was their preference of work, followed by jobs in the public and private sectors.

The study recommends an economic-driven response including creating massive employment opportunities for young people to overcome the security threat created by youth unemployment. Going forward, jump-starting employment for Somali youth is crucial for revitalizing the country’s massive public works projects.

Developing and rehabilitating public infrastructures, such as roads and government buildings, will provide jobs, strengthen local skills, and rebuild the economy.

Finally, the study proposes the establishment of institutional mechanisms that provide access to finance for young entrepreneurs. Empowering unemployed young people to engage in self-employment is vital. Improving microcredit facilities would help.

The Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States should also start placing unemployed graduates in the national and state civil services, including positions at ministries and government agencies.

Moving forward, Somali stakeholders should pursue the diversification of the economy from the current low value added productive sectors to more modern, high added value sectors to create jobs for youth.

Creating employment programs in the digital economy for young people is also imperative for Somalia. Vibrant digital entrepreneurship can help young Somalis start and develop their technology-oriented businesses, creating more jobs and promoting the Somali economy.

This requires collaborative action from various stakeholders including higher education institutions, government, and international development partners, to invest in digital skills-intensive training programs to help Somali youth fully leverage their potential in the digital economy.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE...

English: https://bit.ly/3jBT7nG

Somali: https://bit.ly/3JEk5G7