Somalia - Low levels of education and insecurity is fueling youth unemployment and migration in Somalia, according to a new IOM study released in Nairobi yesterday (11/2.)

The study, funded by the Government of Japan and conducted by Altai Consulting, was commissioned by IOM to ascertain the nexus between youth unemployment and migration in Somalia’s Mogadishu, Baidoa and Kismayo districts.

According to the report, in Baidoa some 24 per cent of young people are unemployed, in Kismayo 13 per cent and in Mogadishu 6 per cent. Some 38 per cent of unemployed young people have no education, putting them at a huge disadvantage in the job market.

The report reveals a demand for higher education and more institutions of higher education. But it found that the sector is not properly regulated and does not meet demand for technical or specialized training.

In addition to insecurity, the study points to lack of viable alternatives for gainful employment as one of the drivers for the high number of young Somalis who leave home to find a better life in Europe.

Speaking at the launch of the report, IOM Regional Director Jeffrey Labovitz underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to provide solutions for young people in Somalia.

“The education level among young people is low and 55% of them are dissatisfied with their level of education. They want to be more educated and to have decent jobs in Somalia,” he said.

Special Envoy for Children and Migrant's Rights in the Federal Government of Somalia Mariam Yassim Haji Yussuf said that the government is keen on working with partners who can establish durable solutions for Somali’s young population.

“It is a challenge to stem irregular migration, but we are keen to address the push factors. Our youth need mentorship, investors who can provide incubators for their development. We need to turn their wish to succeed abroad, into a need to stay at home or return to build our society,” she said.

Yuki Yoshida, representative from the Embassy of Japan to Somalia underscored the need for development actors to utilize research in making informed development interventions. “It is my hope that this report will reach aid workers, donors and other development partners to make them better informed when planning interventions that target young people in Somalia,” Yoshida said.

For a copy of the report please go to: http://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/country/docs/IOM-Youth-Employment-Migration-9Feb2016.pdf

For further information please contact Frantz Celestin at IOM Somalia, Email: fcelestin@iom.int