Overview

In 2023, the Ministry of Youth and Sports embarked on an ambitious project to modernize the Somali National Youth Policy, ensuring it reflects the evolving aspirations and challenges of the country’s youth. Veynuus was entrusted with the critical task of reviewing the existing policy, assisting in the development of a comprehensive update, and creating an actionable implementation plan supported by a practical budget framework.

This project was designed to unify stakeholders across all Federal Member States (FMS) and the Banadir Region (BAR), while providing a clear, actionable roadmap for addressing youth needs.

The Process

Policy Review

The project began with a detailed assessment of the existing Somali National Youth Policy. This review identified areas for improvement, inconsistencies, and opportunities for alignment with national priorities and international standards. The findings set the foundation for creating a forward-looking framework tailored to Somalia’s unique socio-economic and cultural context.

Stakeholder Consultations

To ensure the updated policy addressed real needs and challenges, Veynuus facilitated consultations across all Federal Member States and BAR. This included in-depth discussions with Ministries of Youth and Sports, Director Generals, and other key stakeholders. The consultations provided insights into regional priorities, implementation challenges, and youth aspirations, creating a holistic view of the national youth agenda.

Drafting and Action Plan Development

Based on the insights gathered, the updated Somali National Youth Policy (2023–2030) was drafted. The policy emphasized practical strategies, measurable outcomes, and clear accountability mechanisms. Veynuus also developed a detailed implementation plan, outlining key activities, timelines, and roles, accompanied by a realistic budget to ensure feasibility and sustainability.

Validation Workshops

To build consensus and finalize the policy, Veynuus organized validation workshops with Ministries of Youth and Sports from all FMS and BAR. These workshops ensured that regional perspectives were fully incorporated and that the policy had broad-based support.

Key Achievements

1. Comprehensive Policy Update
   The Somali National Youth Policy (2023–2030) now serves as a forward-looking document that addresses critical issues such as education, employment, health, and civic engagement. It provides actionable strategies and measurable goals to improve the lives of Somali youth.
2. Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement
   The consultations engaged representatives from all Federal Member States, ensuring the policy reflects the diverse needs and priorities of youth across Somalia. Collaboration with Ministries of Youth and Sports and DGs created a unified vision.
3. Actionable Implementation Plan
   The detailed implementation plan and budget provide a clear framework for executing the policy. This ensures accountability and increases the likelihood of achieving the policy’s objectives.
4. Nationwide Validation
   Validation workshops brought together all FMS and BAR representatives, ensuring the policy had collective ownership and strong support for implementation.

Impact

The updated Somali National Youth Policy (2023–2030) is a transformative document that provides a roadmap for addressing youth challenges and unlocking their potential. It aligns national efforts with international standards while offering a practical path for execution through a clear action plan and realistic budget.

By bringing together stakeholders from across Somalia, the policy fosters unity and a shared commitment to empowering the next generation.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates Veynuus’ capacity to deliver inclusive, impactful, and practical consulting solutions for government clients. Through meticulous research, stakeholder engagement, and actionable recommendations, the team helped shape a policy that will guide Somalia’s youth development for the next decade.

Banaadir Consultation 

Jubaland State Consultation 

Hirshabelle State Consultation 

Galmudug State Consultation

Southwest State Consultation