MOGADISHU, Somalia (KAAB TV) – In Somalia, youth face a bleak reality on International Labour Day as soaring unemployment rates persist despite their education achievements.
In a heartfelt revelation to Kaab TV, young Somalis lamented the entrenched issues of nepotism, favoritism, and corruption plaguing the job market, leaving them disillusioned and hopeless.
Abdirahman Yusuf, a young university graduate, symbolizes the daily struggle of many Somali youths. Every morning, he embarks on a 30km journey from outside the city, hopeful for a job opportunity, only to return empty-handed.
“I come here every day with a hope to get employment but there are no opportunities yet. The government is corrupt and the available jobs are provided based on clan and nepotism,” he voiced his frustration.
Nimco Ahmed, another university graduate, echoes Abdirahman’s sentiments, expressing skepticism about any positive change without a fundamental shift in the government’s approach.
“The solution is the president must do something. The nepotism and favoritism must stop first. All Somalis must get equal treatment, jobs must be provided equally,” she asserts.
The youth we spoke to also described the hardships their families endure due to lack of employment opportunities, painting a grim picture of the wider societal impact.
According to the World Bank, Somalia’s unemployment rate remained stagnant at around 19.19 percent in 2023, highlighting the persistent challenges.
The root causes, as identified by experts, include corruption, tribalism, lack of skills, inadequate education, and a struggling economy.
A survey conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Federal Government of Somalia in 2021 shed light on the labor force dynamics.
The survey revealed that the overall labor force participation rate for Somalia was 32.4 percent, with a notable gender disparity, as male participation stood at 45.9 percent compared to 20.3 percent for females.
Acknowledging the high youth unemployment rate, the survey underscored the correlation between education and employment, noting that unemployment was higher among those who never attended school compared to those with some level of education.
As Somalia commemorates International Labour Day, the voices of its disillusioned youth serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for systemic change to address unemployment and restore hope for a brighter future.