HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) has opened the country’s first National Conference on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), calling for greater investment in practical skills to tackle unemployment and expand job opportunities for young people.
The conference was organized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. It aims to strengthen vocational training and improve the skills young people need to enter the labour market.
Government ministers, lawmakers, academics and other officials attended the opening ceremony in Hargeisa.
In his address, President Irro stressed that vocational education should play a central role in Somaliland’s development strategy. He said young people need practical skills that can help them find employment or establish their own businesses.
Irro Pledges More Funding for Vocational Training
The president said his administration would increase government funding for vocational education and technical skills development.
He also called for stronger investment in training programmes linked to key sectors of the economy. These include industry, agriculture, construction and technology.
“In order to reduce unemployment, we must teach our youth work skills and handicrafts, then invest in them and encourage them to develop innovations that create jobs,” Irro said.
“The Government of the Republic of Somaliland will increase the budget for vocational education and training related to industry, agriculture, construction and technology,” he added.
Irro said vocational training must prepare young people for real employment opportunities. He also emphasized the need to support innovation and practical entrepreneurship.
Government Seeks to Link Training With Labour Market Needs
President Irro said improving vocational education requires more than changes to the education system. Training programmes must also reflect the skills employers and businesses need.
He described closer coordination between vocational institutions and the labour market as an investment in Somaliland’s future.
The government aims to equip young people with skills that support national development. Better access to practical training could also help reduce the gap between education and employment.
This approach is particularly important in sectors such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing and technology. These industries require workers with practical knowledge and specialized skills.
Education Minister Highlights Government Priorities
Education and Higher Education Minister Prof. Ismail Duale Yusuf also addressed the conference.
He described the gathering as an important part of the government’s first 100-day programme. He said education remains a central priority for the administration.
Yusuf stressed that national development depends on access to quality education, relevant knowledge and practical skills.
He said the government wants an education system that responds to the country’s development needs and prepares citizens for available employment opportunities.
The minister also highlighted the importance of improving the quality and relevance of vocational training.
Conference Expected to Guide TVET Reforms
The national conference is expected to produce recommendations for improving Somaliland’s vocational education system.
These recommendations are intended to support curriculum reform, modernize training programmes and improve the connection between vocational institutions and employers.
The discussions are also expected to examine how training can better respond to changing labour market demands.
The conference marks the first national gathering specifically focused on technical and vocational education and training in Somaliland.
Its outcome could help guide future government policies on skills development, employment and workforce preparation.
HornPost Staff Reporter
info@hornpost.com
