Briefing Paper

The Idle Youth Labor Force in Somalia: A Blow to the Country’s GDP

The Somali population is young; it is estimated that 70% of the population is under 30 years. If the youth are not engaged in productive enterprises, it will have a contrary lasting impact on socio-economic development of the country for generations to come. Crime affects Somali youth
in an intrinsic level. It is easy for a young impressionable youth with a bright future to get entrapped in criminal activities when they are not empowered and engaged, socially, academically and economically. Youth play a vital role in the development of the country, and represent the future of the country, thus there are serious social and economic consequences associated with not addressing the youth who is at the risk of negative circumstances that is detrimental to their future and in return the future of
the country. Youth employment can help reduce the rate of poverty to a significant level. When the
youth are equipped with essential skills, they can be productive members of society, and be part of the future investment of the country, aiding the nation economically. This will in-turn contribute to the increase in employment and productivity of the country and add to the GDP of the nation. Given their high innovative potential, when youth are meaningfully engaged, they are creative, innovative and
challenge the status quo and are more likely to find solutions needed to tackle social, environmental and economic challenges.