Mogadishu, Somalia — The Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education, Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, met with Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Wang Yu, to discuss expanding cooperation in youth education, with a strong focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The meeting emphasized equipping Somali youth with the practical skills and knowledge needed to participate in building a prosperous, self-reliant future. Priority sectors discussed included renewable energy, construction, mechanics, agriculture, and digital technology — areas considered critical for driving economic growth and reducing unemployment.
Abdulkadir stressed that TVET is central to Somalia’s development strategy, saying, “Empowering our young people with hands-on technical skills is one of the most effective ways to combat unemployment, foster innovation, and build a strong national workforce.”
Amb. Yu reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s human capital development, highlighting opportunities for targeted investments in training infrastructure, curriculum enhancement, teacher training, and student scholarships. He added that China’s extensive experience in vocational education could help Somalia establish sustainable, job-focused training programs.
The two officials also discussed forging direct partnerships between Somali technical institutions and Chinese vocational schools, as well as engaging the private sector to help fund and sustain TVET programs.
Somalia faces one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the region, with many young people lacking access to market-ready skills. Experts say international investment in TVET, coupled with national policy support, could be a game-changer for Somalia’s economic recovery and social stability.
The talks mark a shift in Somalia-China relations toward human capital development, signaling a shared belief that a skilled and educated youth population is essential for lasting peace and prosperity.