Mogadishu, Somalia – March 16, 2025 – In a landmark step toward reducing unemployment and strengthening the nation’s labor market, Somalia’s Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), officially launched the Somali National Job Portal (jobs.gov.so). The digital platform is set to revolutionize access to employment opportunities across the country, marking a significant stride in Somalia’s journey toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
With youth unemployment standing at 35 percent, according to IOM Somalia, the country has faced persistent challenges including limited formal job opportunities, skills mismatches, and a lack of centralized employment services. The National Job Portal is designed to address these gaps by connecting job seekers with employers across key sectors such as health, education, ICT, agriculture, and infrastructure.
“This portal is a game-changer for Somalia. By creating a centralized, government-led platform, we are improving labour market efficiency and making job opportunities more accessible to our entrepreneurial youth,” stated Hon. Yusuf Mohamed Aden, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.
The portal’s key features, as highlighted by IOM Somalia, include:
- A user-friendly, mobile-responsive interface ensuring easy access for youth and job seekers nationwide.
- A one-stop hub for both public and private sector employment, internships, and capacity-building programs.
- Real-time labor market data analytics to support evidence-based policymaking.
- Emphasis on fair employment practices and inclusive recruitment.
While the portal opens unprecedented access for job seekers, there remains a pressing need to ensure that Somali employers are equally equipped to leverage this platform effectively. Many employers, particularly in the private sector, currently face limitations in skills, technology, and structured human resources practices. The National Employment Service Center (NESC), integrated within MoLSA, plays a vital role in engaging employers by understanding their workforce demands and recruitment goals. To further maximize the portal’s impact, the government may consider enhancing NESC’s efforts through employer-focused training programs, digital recruitment awareness campaigns, and regulatory incentives, ensuring that employers are well-positioned to adopt and benefit from this technological advancement.
The portal’s development is supported through public-private collaboration, involving the Federation of Somali Employers and Trade Unions, the Chamber of Commerce, and the National Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Migration. An Implementation Committee comprising MoLSA and IOM IT experts will oversee the platform’s operations.
This initiative aligns with Somalia’s National Employment Policy and National Development Plan, both of which prioritize job creation, social stability, and economic recovery. Furthermore, it is part of the broader Better Regional Migration Management program, funded by the UK FCDO, which seeks to promote economic resilience and human capital development across the Horn of Africa.
The National Job Portal is not only a tool for job seekers but also a strategic instrument contributing to SDG targets of reducing inequalities (SDG 10), fostering inclusive economic growth (SDG 8), and building strong institutions (SDG 16). Somalia’s digital leap in employment services signals a brighter, more inclusive future for its workforce and national economy.
For more information, visit jobs.gov.so
