HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) has opened the fourth National Conference on Employers and Employment, calling for urgent action to reduce unemployment and expand job opportunities for young people and women.
The Ministry of Labor, Social and Family Affairs organized the conference to discuss employment challenges and ways to improve access to jobs across Somaliland.
In his opening address, President Irro highlighted unemployment, low wages and job insecurity as major challenges facing the country. He also called for stronger links between education and the skills employers need.
The president said young people make up the largest share of Somaliland’s population. He put their share at about 70% and stressed the need to create more opportunities for them.
Irro Warns of Unemployment Risks
President Irro said unemployment affects more than household income. It can also increase poverty and create wider social and security challenges.
He warned that a lack of job opportunities could push young people toward irregular migration, addiction and other harmful practices.
“Unemployment is a problem that increases poverty, threatens public safety and security, and endangers the lives of young people; as it promotes migration, addictions and unhealthy practices. It is a fact that this meeting should be a part of its solution today,” Irro said.
He called on government institutions, employers and other stakeholders to work together on practical solutions.
Government Targets Skills Gaps in the Labor Market
The president said Somaliland’s education system does not always provide students with the practical skills employers require.
As a result, some businesses struggle to find qualified local workers. Employers often seek skilled workers from outside the country to fill positions that require technical training.
Irro said his Unity and Action administration would work to address these gaps. He also pointed to the limited number of technical and vocational training institutions as part of the challenge.
He called for stronger vocational education and training programs. These programs, he said, should prepare young people for available jobs and help them develop skills that match market demand.
Better coordination between schools, training centers and employers could also improve access to work. In addition, practical training could help young people start businesses and create jobs for others.
Irro Calls for Equal Employment Opportunities for Women and Men
The president also stressed the need for equal access to employment for women and men.
He said Somaliland could not achieve sustainable progress while many young people remained unemployed. He called on private businesses and non-governmental organizations to support fair recruitment practices.
“We cannot talk about progress if we do not find a solution to the unemployment of our sons and daughters. The women and men of the Republic of Somaliland are relatively close as expected, so the Government will implement a system that will create equality of employment opportunities for girls and boys. We expect the same from businessmen and non-governmental organizations,” Irro said.
He also instructed the Ministry of Labor, Social and Family Affairs to review salary payment systems across the country.
The review, he said, should ensure that women and men receive equal pay when they perform the same work and have comparable qualifications and skills.
President Calls for Safer Workplaces for Women
Irro further emphasized the need to protect women from discrimination, violence and pressure in the workplace.
He said women should have fair access to employment and investment opportunities. He also urged public institutions and private employers to consider qualified applicants without discrimination.
“Girls and boys are equal in employment; women should be safe in the workplace and not face their own violence and pressure. We believe that women’s employment and investment opportunities should be included fairly, that it will increase the speed, and the amount of development of the national economy, because our women are the backbone of our lives, Governmental and private agencies, primarily businessmen, have a duty not to discriminate against job seekers in a particular area, and their special needs if they can do the work and have equal job opportunities with other citizens, we will pay special attention to this as a Government,” the president said.
The remarks placed workplace safety and equal treatment among the issues the government wants to address through its employment policies.
Labour Minister Addresses National Conference
Labour and Social Affairs Minister Milgo Sambalooshe also addressed the conference.
The gathering brought together government representatives and other stakeholders to discuss employment challenges and possible responses.
The fourth national conference provides a platform for discussions on job creation, labor market needs and the responsibilities of employers.
Its broader focus is on finding ways to improve employment opportunities and strengthen cooperation between the government and the private sector.
The issues raised by the president — including youth unemployment, vocational skills, fair wages and workplace safety — remain central to efforts to build a more inclusive labor market in Somaliland.
HornPost Staff Reporter
info@hornpost.com
HARGEISA, Somaliland
