Mogadishu – In a significant move to combat youth unemployment and boost economic development, the Federal Government of Somalia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, has officially endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labor and employment cooperation with the Republic of Turkey.
The agreement, formally approved during a cabinet meeting in Mogadishu, was presented by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. It aims to strengthen bilateral collaboration in employment policy, workforce development, vocational training, and skills enhancement programs.
Originally signed in 2016 by the labor ministries of both Somalia and Turkey, the MoU had remained largely inactive due to political and administrative challenges. The cabinet’s approval now clears the path for full implementation, raising hopes for tangible outcomes in job creation and youth empowerment.
According to government officials, the labor cooperation framework will focus on:
• Expanding job opportunities for Somali youth both locally and through legal labor migration to Turkey;
• Enhancing vocational and technical skills through joint training programs and educational exchanges;
• Promoting decent work and labor rights in line with international labor standards;
• Facilitating the exchange of expertise and best practices in labor administration and social protection systems.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating that international partnerships are essential to Somalia’s efforts to reduce unemployment, especially among the youth who make up the majority of the population.
“This agreement with our strategic partner, Turkey, reflects our commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities for our people and laying the foundation for long-term socio-economic growth,” the Prime Minister said.
The Turkish government has long been a key ally of Somalia, investing in infrastructure, health, education, and humanitarian sectors. The newly revived labor cooperation deal is expected to deepen this partnership by addressing one of Somalia’s most urgent challenges: the lack of jobs for its young and growing population.
Youth unemployment in Somalia remains alarmingly high, with estimates suggesting that more than two-thirds of young people are without stable employment. Experts believe that the full implementation of this agreement could help reverse that trend by opening new pathways for skills development and international labor mobility.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs is expected to work closely with its Turkish counterpart in the coming months to finalize implementation plans, identify priority sectors, and establish joint technical committees to monitor progress.
With this new development, both Somalia and Turkey reaffirm their mutual commitment to fostering human capital, reducing poverty, and ensuring inclusive economic development through collaborative and sustainable.
