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Unemployment is a huge challenge in Somaliland. According to a Somaliland National Youth Organization (SONYO) report, an estimated 75 per cent of young people under the age of 30 face chronic unemployment. A recent study by the Ministry of Labour also revealed that 80 per cent of jobs in Somaliland are not advertised, mostly due to clan nepotism.

Disenchanted, uninspired and idle, many young graduates are paying large smuggling fees to find work in Europe. The common route from Ethiopia, to Sudan, then onto Libya and across the Mediterranean Sea, is fraught with danger. Many collapse in the Sahara desert or drown in capsized boats. Women also face sexual violence.

So why are people still leaving? “Because it is worth the risk. Many students feel there is no other option because they have no future in Somaliland. They have studied; they have worked hard, for what?” says Omar Suriel, Director of Somaliland’s new Job Centre.

For the first time, Somaliland’s Ministry of Labour is launching a wave of activities to combat this mass exodus. Supported by the Transition Initiatives for Stabilization (TIS) programme, the Ministry is offering $10,000 grants to groups of students with innovative business proposals. Over the last two months, 110 groups from across Berbera, Burao, Borama, Hargeisa, Sool and Sanaag submitted business proposals for their chance to be trained by business professionals and win a grant to create a new business.

An education specialist has also been hired by the TIS programme to increase the quality of teaching in Somaliland. With over 14 years of experience in education, Dr. Khadar is embedded within the Ministry of Education and has created teacher training policies and “Education Sector Committees” to improve coordination between organizations working in the sector.

With TIS support, the Ministry of Labour has also opened the first ever job centre in Somaliland this month. Already 45 people are visiting the centre daily. “Not only are we helping young people to write CVs and meet potential employers, but we are advocating within the business community to advertise their jobs. Nepotism causes conflict and we are trying to eradicate clan-based jobs,” said its Director.