Strengthening vocational education and training in Somalia

Context

Somalia has made progress in addressing political, economic, and social challenges. However, climate change, food insecurity and ongoing conflict continue to hinder stabilisation efforts and exacerbate fragility.

State institutions struggle with governance, and non-state actors maintain control over parts of the country. Compounding these challenges, almost 70 per cent of the Somali population lives on less than 1.90 US dollars per day. Additionally, 75 per cent of Somalis are under the age of 30.

Pressure and expectations are high that the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system will equip young people with skills that meet labour market demand. The government requires support to overcome fragmented governance, limited access to training opportunities, and a lack of alignment between training programmes and employer needs. Addressing these issues is essential to create pathways to gainful employment and fostering long-term stability in Somalia and supporting a just and sustainable transition.

Objective

The public vocational education and training system has been strengthened in terms of its governance, quality of training, and access for learners.

Approach

The project undertakes targeted interventions across four main areas:

1. Standardising processes for delivering vocational training to ensure consistency and efficiency. 
2. Enhancing modular training programmes by integrating green skills. 
3. Expanding access to modular green skills training opportunities for young people and adults, with a particular focus on girls and women. 
4. Improving facilities in selected vocational schools to support the delivery of labour market-relevant and environmentally oriented training programmes.

Last update: February 2025