MOGADISHU (Baraarug) – In Somalia, youth make up over 60% of the population, presenting both a major challenge and a huge opportunity for the country’s development.
High youth unemployment—estimated between 60–67%—has left many young people struggling to find formal work.
Yet, amid these challenges, Somali youth are turning to entrepreneurship, finding innovative ways to create livelihoods, drive economic growth, and even foster peace.
With few formal job opportunities, many young Somalis are starting their own businesses in sectors like retail, transport, technology, agriculture, and creative industries.
By leveraging mobile technology, digital finance, and e-commerce, youth-led startups are solving local problems—from food delivery to online education—demonstrating the role of young innovators in rebuilding the economy.
This week on Baraarug Podcast, we meet Fardowsa Mohamed Ali, a young university graduate from Mogadishu who founded her own event management company.
Fardowsa shared with Baraarug how difficult it was to access investment.
“I tried to get a loan from banks, but it wasn’t possible,” she explained. Instead, she turned to local wholesalers in Mogadishu, negotiating to buy products in small quantities that she could resell through the events she managed. “That way, I could be their loyal customer and still make a profit,” she said.
As the eldest child in her family, Fardowsa struggled to find a job after graduating, making it difficult to support herself and her family.
Today, her small company is thriving. She spoke with Anfa Aden Abdi of Baraarug, sharing the story of how determination and creativity helped her turn challenges into opportunity.