GAROWE (KAAB TV) – In Somalia, where unemployment is one of the highest in the world, particularly among youth, a young man from Garowe is making strides to provide solutions.
Mohamed Qasim, a graduate of business administration, frustrated by the lack of job opportunities and the widespread issue of nepotism, decided to tackle the problem head-on by creating his own business: Adeege Multi Services.
This innovative initiative connects skilled workers—such as electricians, plumbers, construction workers, maids, and office secretaries—with individuals and businesses in need of their services.
“We serve more than 50 customers a day, connecting skilled workers who are looking for employment with clients who need their services,” Mohamed told Kaab TV during an interview.
His office has become a hub of activity in Garowe, where both job seekers and customers frequently visit.
The initiative has brought much-needed relief to both sides of the employment equation.
Mohamed’s journey started like that of many young Somalis. After finishing secondary school, he aspired to study abroad in Turkey or Malaysia but faced obstacles that prevented him from securing a spot.
Instead, he pursued a degree in business administration from a local university in Puntland State of Somalia.
However, after graduating, Mohamed encountered the same problem that plagues many graduates in the country: a severe shortage of job opportunities.
“The challenge was finding a job,” Mohamed explained.
He highlighted not only the lack of available positions but also the fact that employment in Somalia is often dictated by nepotism.
Clan-based favoritism plays a large role, even in government positions, making it difficult for many qualified candidates to secure jobs based on merit.
Faced with this reality, Mohamed decided to create his own opportunities.
Adeege Multi Services now connects skilled laborers with customers who require various services.
The business serves as a platform where individuals can offer their expertise while providing clients with reliable and timely help.
One of Mohamed’s satisfied customers, Safiyo Mohamud, expressed how the service has made her life easier.
“I used to call the electric company, and it would take a long time to get someone to come and repair the problem. But now, it’s much easier,” Safiyo shared.
Adeege has become her go-to for connecting with skilled workers, especially electricians, to fix frequent power issues in her home.
Similarly, local electricians like Mustafe Hussein have benefited from the partnership.
“I rely on Adeege Multi Services. They call me whenever there is a need for an electrician. I get paid for my work easily and quickly,” Mustafe said, appreciating the consistent stream of work that the service has provided him.
While Mohamed’s initiative is making a positive impact, the journey has not been without challenges.
Establishing Adeege Multi Services required navigating a complicated and costly registration process, as multiple permits and certifications are needed to start a business in Somalia.
Additionally, the government imposes taxes that further discourage young entrepreneurs from starting their ventures.
Luqman Mohamed, a lecturer at East Africa University, expressed concern over the difficulties faced by young graduates trying to enter the workforce or start their own businesses.
“Providing education, services, and fighting hunger is the primary responsibility of the government. But when the government can’t deliver, it’s concerning that they also impose numerous obstacles for the private sector,” Luqman told Kaab TV.
He emphasized that government bureaucracy, in the form of expensive registrations and tax obligations, stifles entrepreneurial spirit and called for reform.
“Several certifications are required for new businesses, and these are costly,” Luqman added. “Additionally, the burden of paying taxes is another challenge. We urge the government to allow citizens to create opportunities for themselves and support entrepreneurship by lowering or removing these administrative hurdles.”
Despite these challenges, Mohamed’s efforts to create Adeege Multi Services have brought hope to both job seekers and those in need of reliable services.
As unemployment continues to be a critical issue in Somalia, initiatives like his offer practical solutions to bridging the gap between skilled workers and the communities they serve.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Somalia’s unemployment rate remains one of the highest globally, with a total unemployment rate of 17.4% as of 2023. The youth unemployment rate is even more alarming, at around 24%.
Both the World Bank and the African Development Bank have echoed concerns about the scarcity of formal job opportunities and the limited access to education and vocational training, particularly for young people.
Somalia’s economy is largely dependent on informal labor and remittances from the diaspora, with agriculture and the services sector providing the bulk of employment opportunities.
However, instability, climate change, and limited infrastructure have restricted formal economic growth and job creation.
For many young people like Mohamed, starting a business is one of the few paths to financial stability, even though the process is fraught with challenges.
In the face of these difficulties, Mohamed Qasim’s Adeege Multi Services stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation. By connecting skilled workers with those who need their services, he has provided much-needed relief for both job seekers and consumers.