More than 60 percent of Somali youth aged 15 to 34 were neither employed nor enrolled in education or training in 2025, highlighting persistent challenges in the country’s labor market, according to the Institute of Economics Affairs (IEA) Somalia.
The report underscores the limited opportunities for young people in a labor market dominated by informal activity and constrained by years of instability. Somalia’s total labor force was estimated at about 3.56 million, with only a small fraction accessing stable, paid employment.
Youth unemployment among the 15–24 age group was estimated at around 34 percent, reflecting the difficulty many face in entering the workforce. Experts say the lack of secure jobs and professional experience exacerbates poverty and social exclusion, particularly among young women and rural populations.
“Somali youth face a double challenge: insufficient employment opportunities and education systems that are not always aligned with market needs,” said a labor economist familiar with the study. “Many young people struggle to find their first job or acquire the skills employers demand.”
Education and vocational training programs in Somalia remain fragmented, with technical and vocational initiatives poorly coordinated with the private sector. As a result, there is a significant mismatch between available skills and labor market demand, limiting the ability of youth to participate in productive employment.
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The social and economic implications are considerable. Prolonged exclusion from the workforce reduces prospects for inclusive growth, deepens inequality, and leaves large numbers of young people vulnerable to poverty and marginalization. Analysts warn that failure to address youth employment challenges could exacerbate social tensions in a country already affected by political instability and insecurity.
To address these gaps, Somalia’s government and international partners have launched targeted interventions aimed at boosting youth employability and job creation. In October 2025, the World Bank approved the BOOST-You project, designed to strengthen vocational training, provide job placement support, and promote targeted employment initiatives for youth.
Under the BOOST-You program, an estimated 28,000 jobs are expected to be created by 2029, including approximately 16,800 positions for women. The project aims to improve coordination between training providers and employers, develop market-relevant skills, and enhance access to economic opportunities for marginalized young people.
The initiative reflects a broader push by the international community to integrate youth into Somalia’s economy, particularly as the country experiences strong demographic growth. Hundreds of thousands of young Somalis enter the labor market each year, intensifying the need for targeted employment policies and skills development.
Observers note that success will depend on sustained investment, security improvements, and stronger linkages between vocational programs and private-sector demand. “Creating jobs is not just about training; it’s about building an ecosystem where skills, employment, and entrepreneurship converge,” said a World Bank official involved in the project.
Despite the challenges, small-scale interventions and programs such as BOOST-You offer a path toward gradual improvement. By providing structured training, facilitating internships, and supporting job creation, policymakers hope to reduce youth exclusion and promote long-term economic stability.
Somalia’s youth demographic represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Harnessing the potential of its young population is seen as critical for economic recovery and social cohesion, particularly in a country that has faced decades of conflict and underdevelopment.
The IEA report serves as a reminder of the urgent need for coordinated efforts between government, development partners, and the private sector to ensure that young Somalis can access meaningful work and training opportunities in the coming years.
