By Horn Africa News
Mogadishu — The Federal Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Hon. Mohamed Abdi Hayir, has officially inaugurated a new vocational training program aimed at equipping Somali youth with essential skills in operating and maintaining heavy agricultural machinery, including bulldozers.
The initiative, launched in collaboration with Italian companies Gaalooge and CASE IH, will train 30 young Somalis over the course of six months. The curriculum focuses on hands-on training in bulldozer operation, mechanical maintenance, and basic troubleshooting—key competencies to support Somalia’s growing need for skilled technicians in the agricultural sector.
As part of the broader effort to modernize Somalia’s agricultural infrastructure, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gaalooge to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The agreement outlines joint commitments in technical skills development, the demonstration and testing of modern farming equipment, and the promotion of agricultural technologies across the country.
Speaking at the launch event in Mogadishu, Minister Hayir highlighted the significance of the training program in building a new generation of agricultural engineers and technicians. “This initiative reflects our commitment to transforming Somalia’s agriculture through mechanization and innovation,” he said. “By empowering our youth with technical skills, we are laying the foundation for a more productive and self-sufficient farming sector.”
The ministry noted that the training program is part of a larger national strategy to address longstanding challenges faced by Somali farmers, including limited access to machinery and skilled labor. The ultimate goal is to enhance food security, create employment opportunities, and reduce reliance on imported agricultural services.
This marks a pivotal step in Somalia’s post-conflict recovery and development, positioning young professionals at the heart of the country’s agricultural transformation.
