Youth empowerment in Somalia means giving young Somalis the education, skills, mentorship and decision-making space to improve their own lives and communities. It matters because, according to the UN, nearly eight in ten Somalis are under 35. Barwaqo Forum, a youth-led non-profit in Mogadishu, works on this through leadership training, digital skills and community action.
Empowerment goes beyond offering opportunities. It means equipping young people with the knowledge, confidence and resources to make real contributions, so they are partners in development and not only beneficiaries of programs.
Why does youth empowerment matter for Somalia?
The numbers explain the urgency. At a Youth Dialogue in Mogadishu on 5 November 2025, UN officials described a population of close to 20 million in which nearly eight in every ten people are under 35 (UNTMIS, 5 November 2025).
Somalia has also put policy behind this. The same source notes a National Youth Policy for 2023-2030 that focuses on inclusion, economic empowerment and civic participation, and a National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security built on top of it.
When young people have access to quality education, training, mentorship and leadership roles, they are better prepared to tackle social challenges, build solutions and contribute to economic progress.
What are the biggest challenges facing Somali youth?
Unemployment. IOM reported youth unemployment of 34% in Somalia in February 2026. Figures differ between sources because age ranges, definitions and survey methods differ, so treat any single number with care.
Limited opportunity and its risks. IOM states that a lack of opportunities leaves young people exposed to exploitation, irregular migration and recruitment by violent extremist groups (IOM, 10 February 2026).
A gap between education and the labour market. One former Puntland education minister argues in an opinion piece that universities and private employers have rarely coordinated, which leaves many graduates without work (WardheerNews, 2 October 2025). This is one author's view, offered as context rather than an official finding.
What does effective youth empowerment look like?
- Skills and livelihoods. A UN-backed program in Kismayo combines vocational training (tailoring, phone repair, beauty services), literacy, financial skills, counselling and start-up grants (IOM, 10 February 2026). An earlier UN Joint Programme on Youth Employment, which ran from January 2015 to November 2024, aimed to improve employability for 20,000 youth and create short-term work for 30,000 (UNDP).
- Leadership and civic participation. Leadership is more than a title. It starts with taking responsibility, inspiring others, spotting problems and working with others on practical solutions. Young people need space to build critical thinking, communication, teamwork and decision-making skills.
- Innovation and entrepreneurship. As technology changes the world, digital skills and creative thinking give Somali youth real chances to solve local problems and build businesses that create work for others.
- Peace and social cohesion. Safe spaces for constructive discussion help young people understand different views and work toward shared goals. Empowered youth can become advocates for peaceful coexistence and responsible citizenship.
How does Barwaqo Forum support Somali youth?
Barwaqo Forum is a non-profit youth organization based in Hodan District, Banadir, Mogadishu. It works to bring together students, professionals and young activists; build technical skills, digital literacy and leadership; offer guidance and mentorship for youth start-up ideas; mobilize young volunteers for climate and green initiatives; support civic duty, conflict mitigation and peacebuilding dialogues; and lead humanitarian outreach and health awareness campaigns in underserved communities.
Recent activities include:
- Digital skills: the Forum trained 120 young leaders in digital technologies, software tools and online entrepreneurship.
- Environment: volunteers were mobilized to plant over 500 trees, and members have taken part in tree planting and a beach cleanup in Mogadishu.
- Knowledge: the Forum took part in the book fair "Hardan iyo Hiigsi" at Hotel Jaziira, Mogadishu, on 10 October 2025, attended by hundreds of young people.
- Dialogue: a delegation from the Forum met senior Federal Government officials, and its leadership committee meets to plan programs and future direction.
Achieving this vision takes collaboration between young people, educational institutions, community organizations, the private sector and public institutions.
How can youth, partners and donors get involved?
Young people: join Forum activities, trainings and volunteer campaigns.
Schools, businesses and public institutions: partner on skills training, mentorship and internships.
Donors and organizations: contact the Forum to discuss funding or joint programs.
Contact Barwaqo Forum: info@barwaqoforum.org, +252 610 38 71 44, Hodan District, Banadir, Mogadishu, Somalia.
Frequently asked questions
What is youth empowerment?
It is the process of giving young people the knowledge, skills, confidence and resources to make decisions and contribute to their communities and economy.
How many Somalis are young?
The UN says nearly eight in ten Somalis are under 35, in a population of close to 20 million (UNTMIS, 5 November 2025).
What is Somalia's youth unemployment rate?
IOM reported 34% in February 2026. Other sources report different figures because definitions and survey methods differ.
What is Somalia's National Youth Policy?
It is a 2023-2030 framework for youth development, focused on inclusion, economic empowerment and civic participation (UNTMIS, 5 November 2025).
How can I get involved in youth programs in Somalia?
You can join local youth-led organizations such as Barwaqo Forum through trainings, volunteering and community campaigns. Contact the Forum at info@barwaqoforum.org.
Barwaqo Forum: Empowering Youth, Inspiring Leadership, and Building a Better Future.
