Somali government expressed its commitment to reduce unemployment by National Employment Policy to decrease the high unemployment rate.
During a ceremony attended by members of Cabinet, legislators, senior government officials, representatives of the international community and other invited guests, Somali minister for Labour, Abdiwahab Hussein Khalif has the new policy will help the young people secure employment.
“Looking back at the hard work and long time spent on this National Employment Policy we can say that we have made great strides in launching it today. This policy is based on economic growth and development, tackling unemployment and increasing the country’s productivity,” the minister said.
There is widespread unemployment in Somalia with approximately 49% of the population between the ages of 15 and 64 years being unemployed.
According to ministry, the policy is based on the National Development Plan – NDP-9, which is: employing qualified personnel who can transform the society while protecting freedom, equity, security and dignity of the person.
The Minister said the ministry was working to implement the three main objectives of this Policy which are; Establish a management system for recruitment such as the employment council, promoting small and medium enterprises and supporting businesses that can create more jobs.
