Employment Opportunities through Apprenticeship scheme for Youth in Bosasso

Fishing industry in Somalia has high potential for growth and job creation especially for the youth.

Feature | 03 February 2017

“Illegal migration had crossed my mind several times. I was jobless and idle. However the programme gave a chance to employment through this apprenticeship. I am earning a living now,” said Farah Abukar Hussein an apprentice at Danwadaag Fishing Company.


Fishing industry in Somalia has high potential for growth and job creation especially for the youth. Somali waters is home to some of the richest fishing grounds. However it remains underdeveloped due to lack of skilled laborers, lack of tools e.g. refrigeration facilities and absence of good infrastructure.

Youth Employment Somalia programme offered apprenticeship to 150 youth in the fishery industry in Bosaso. ILO collaborated with Puntland Chamber of Commerce and Industries to allow the youth to receive on job training to improve their employability and provide local companies with skilled laborers.

29 fishing companies participated by offering apprenticeship to the 150 youth. The youth received monthly stipend during the four month of apprenticeship.

The programme aimed to improve the lives of youth through access to employment as well as that of the fishing companies by production of quality fish.

“Despite suffering many years of conflict and lack of government in place, we are now working towards rebuilding our country. Fishery is key to the economy of Somalia. More job creation programmes should target the youth and fishing industry. We are happy with the programme and we have gained skilled employees. We thank and appreciate the programme,” said Jama Mohamud Ali owner of Kafko Fishing Company.