For many young Somalis, unemployment remains one of the greatest barriers to achieving their aspirations. Despite their determination and willingness to work, limited opportunities for practical experience often prevent them from transitioning successfully from education to employment. Through strategic partnerships and investment in green skills, however, this narrative is beginning to change.
Young graduates trained under the IMPACT Project have commenced internship placements through the ACTIVE Project, marking a major milestone in Somalia’s efforts to bridge the gap between technical training and meaningful employment. The collaboration demonstrates how investments in renewable energy education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and public-private partnerships can create pathways to dignified work and long-term economic resilience.
Implemented by ADRA Somalia and co-funded by the European Union, the IMPACT Project is equipping young women and men with market-driven green skills in renewable energy, sustainable livelihoods, and entrepreneurship. Through training delivered across multiple TVET institutions, the project seeks to empower youth with practical competencies needed to participate in Somalia’s emerging green economy.
The internship placements represent the next critical phase of this journey.
After completing intensive renewable energy training, graduates have now transitioned from the classroom into real working environments where they are applying their knowledge under the guidance of experienced professionals. Through the ACTIVE Project, interns are gaining hands-on experience in renewable energy initiatives, including solar energy interventions and rehabilitation activities, allowing them to develop both technical expertise and workplace competencies.
For many of the young participants, this opportunity is their first formal exposure to the labour market.
The experience enables them to strengthen problem-solving abilities, improve teamwork and communication skills, and build confidence as emerging professionals. Beyond enhancing employability, the internships provide a platform for graduates to contribute directly to Somalia’s sustainable development agenda through practical renewable energy solutions.
Speaking about the significance of the initiative, Abdi Affey, Project Manager at ADRA Somalia, highlighted the importance of moving beyond training to creating tangible opportunities for young people.
“Skills development alone is not enough. Young people need opportunities to apply what they have learned, gain practical experience, and build confidence in their abilities. Through this collaboration, we are demonstrating that investments in TVET and renewable energy can translate into real employment pathways and hope for Somalia’s youth. Our vision is to equip young women and men not only with technical competencies but also with the opportunity to become active contributors to their communities and the country’s economic growth.”
The renewable energy sector continues to present significant opportunities for Somalia. As communities increasingly adopt sustainable energy solutions, demand for qualified technicians and skilled workers is expected to grow. Strengthening the capacity of TVET institutions and ensuring that graduates gain practical experience are therefore essential steps towards building a workforce capable of meeting future market needs.
According to Ahmed Mahad, TVET Director at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education, Jubaland State, internships play a crucial role in ensuring that technical education produces graduates who are ready to contribute effectively in the workplace.
“Technical education becomes truly impactful when learners are given the chance to apply what they have studied in real-life settings. This collaboration between the IMPACT and ACTIVE Projects is an excellent example of how government, development partners, and implementing organizations can work together to bridge the gap between education and employment.”
He further noted:
“Renewable energy is an emerging sector with immense potential for Somalia. By exposing graduates to practical experience, we are not only enhancing their employability but also building a workforce capable of supporting the country’s sustainable development aspirations. We commend ADRA Somalia and its partners for creating opportunities that empower young people to transition from trainees into productive professionals.”
The impact of these opportunities is perhaps best reflected in the voices of the graduates themselves.
For Mohamed , one of the interns participating in the project, the placement represents the fulfilment of a dream that once seemed beyond reach.
“Before joining the training, I had the desire to work and support my family, but I lacked both the skills and the opportunity. Through the IMPACT Project, I learned practical renewable energy skills, and now this internship has given me the chance to prove myself in a real working environment. I feel more confident about my future and hopeful that I can build a career that benefits both my family and my community.”
The partnership between the IMPACT and ACTIVE Projects also illustrates the value of collaboration in addressing complex development challenges. By connecting education providers, government institutions, development actors, and industry stakeholders, the project is strengthening the ecosystem required to support youth employment and economic inclusion.
Through these synergies, young people are no longer graduating into uncertainty. Instead, they are stepping into structured opportunities that enable them to gain experience, expand professional networks, and prepare for long-term careers in sectors critical to Somalia’s sustainable development.
As Somalia continues its journey towards recovery and resilience, investing in green skills and renewable energy offers a pathway not only to employment but also to innovation, environmental sustainability, and inclusive growth. Every young person, equipped with the right skills and opportunities, becomes part of the solution to the country’s development challenges.
For the graduates beginning this new chapter, the internships are more than temporary placements. They represent dignity, possibility, and the promise of a brighter future built through hard work, partnership, and belief in the potential of Somalia’s youth.
Co-Funded by the European Union
Disclaimer: The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of ADRA Somalia and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.