Ministry of Youth, UNDP Sign Five-Year Partnership Agreement in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU – The Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Somalia have signed a five-year partnership agreement focusing on youth development, peace and security, skills development, climate action and youth employment.

The agreement represents a significant step in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to address the challenges facing its young population, which constitutes more than 70 percent of the country’s population.

Building on Previous Partnerships

This new five-year agreement builds on UNDP’s longstanding commitment to youth empowerment in Somalia. In November 2025, the Federal Government of Somalia, through the Hormuud Salaam Foundation, formalized a major partnership with UNDP to accelerate inclusive economic growth, foster entrepreneurship, and open new opportunities for young Somalis. That initiative focused on job creation, small business development, and sustainable livelihood projects to reduce dependence on aid while encouraging self-reliance.

A separate partnership between UNDP and Hormuud Salaam Foundation was also signed, bringing together the Deputy Prime Minister, various cabinet ministers, and delegates from UNDP, Salaam Somali Bank, and Hormuud Telecom. That agreement sought to broaden prospects in technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and employment, which are essential for Somalia’s economic revival and enduring stability.

Youth, Peace and Security Framework

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has been actively working to establish a comprehensive framework empowering young people to participate in peacebuilding. Somali youth, under the leadership of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, reached a consensus on creating a roadmap for developing a Youth, Peace and Security National Action Plan, with support from UNDP and other UN agencies. The plan is expected to guide and enhance the role of youth in promoting peace and security across the nation.

Inclusive Development Planning

UNDP Somalia has consistently emphasized inclusive and participatory development planning. UNDP convened a high-level consultative meeting in Mogadishu bringing together representatives from the Federal Government, Federal Member States, civil society, youth groups, and persons with disabilities to shape the Country Programme Document for 2026–2030. Stakeholders offered feedback on progress made in areas such as governance, climate resilience, youth empowerment, and economic recovery.

Climate Action and Youth Employment

The new five-year agreement also prioritizes climate action, recognizing the impact of environmental challenges on Somalia’s youth and their livelihoods. UNDP has been actively supporting climate resilience initiatives across the country as part of its broader development agenda.

UNDP has previously supported job creation programs for youth in the Benadir region, with discussions covering local councils and ongoing stabilization plans. Mogadishu has also hosted conferences on women and youth employment as part of joint collaboration between the Banadir Regional Administration and UNDP.

Economic Empowerment Initiatives

UNDP’s support for economic empowerment extends beyond the capital. One hundred and fifty women in Bosaso completed intensive training under the Saameynta Project, a women’s economic empowerment initiative supported by UNDP Somalia, equipping participants with essential business skills including financial literacy, market analysis, customer relations, and record-keeping. Each group of trained entrepreneurs received a $5,000 grant to start or grow their ventures.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports and UNDP will work together over the five-year period to implement programs aligned with Somalia’s national development priorities, including Somalia’s Vision 2060, while ensuring that young Somalis have the skills and opportunities needed to contribute to their country’s recovery and long-term prosperity.