About the Project
Somalia has one of the youngest populations in Africa, yet also faces one of the highest youth unemployment rates. While over 70% of Somalis are under 30, most young people cannot access universities, and the country lacks structured TVET or digital skills programs. Even when degrees are obtained, they are often not aligned with job market needs.
SkillUp Somalia is a digital-first TVET and youth development initiative that equips young people with practical, job-ready skills and directly connects them to employment opportunities.
The Problem
Limited access to higher education: Most Somali youth cannot enroll in universities due to cost, access, or instability.
Skills mismatch: Available university degrees are often not suitable for today’s labor market.
Lack of modern TVET programs: Somalia has no strong nationwide digital skills or vocational training system.
High unemployment: Thousands of young people remain excluded from education and work opportunities.
Our Solution
SkillUp Somalia delivers job-ready training that bridges the gap between education and employment:
Digital & Technical Training
Courses in ICT, coding, entrepreneurship, renewable energy, and workplace soft skills.
Accessible online and offline through vTech Innovation Hub centers.
Blockchain Certificates
Secure, verifiable digital skill badges trusted by employers.
AI-Powered Job Matching
Matches graduates to internships, SME jobs, NGOs, and global remote work.
Mentorship & Career Support
Ongoing coaching in career planning, CV building, and entrepreneurship.
Impact Goals
✅ Provide affordable alternatives to university education
✅ Reduce youth unemployment by teaching in-demand skills
✅ Support Somali SMEs and NGOs with a pipeline of skilled workers
✅ Promote inclusion by reaching underserved and rural youth
Why Somalia?
Somalia lacks structured TVET and digital skills programs.
Most youth are locked out of higher education.
Unemployment and skills mismatch are urgent national challenges.
High mobile adoption makes digital learning possible, while vTech Innovation Hub provides a physical base for offline access.
Who We Are
SkillUp Somalia is powered by vTech Innovation Hub, founded by Ali Hilowle Ali, a Somali technology developer, lecturer, and digital skills trainer. With dual master’s degrees in Information Technology and Business Administration, Ali brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic insight. He is Dean of Computer Science and Engineering at Capital University of Somalia, a lecturer at Mogadishu University, Somalia
Ali is also the initiator of the Youth Media Lab for Peace: Digital Storytelling for Social Cohesion in Somalia, a project funded by the UNESCO Youth for Peace: Intercultural Leadership Programme (2025). With years of experience building solutions, leading ICT projects, and empowering Somali youth, Ali is dedicated to equipping the next generation with the digital skills needed for employment, innovation, and peacebuilding.
Conclusion
SkillUp Somalia directly responds to the #HacktheDivide theme of TVET & Youth Employment by bridging the education-to-employment gap. It provides Somali youth with the digital and technical skills they need, backed by innovative certification and job matching, ensuring that training leads to real opportunities.