Empowering Somalia’s Youth Through Economic Inclusion

Empowering Somalia’s Youth Through Skills, Enterprise, and Opportunity

The Baxnaano Economic Inclusion (EI) Window is a labor market program empowering over 1,000 poor and vulnerable youth including women and persons with disabilities in Banaadir through comprehensive support that combines socio-emotional and soft skills training, technical work-based learning, and entrepreneurship assistance with stipends, grants, business development services, and mentorship.

1000 plus people have benefitted from EI

More than a thousand vulnerable youth, including women and persons with disabilities, have gained vital skills, work experience, and entrepreneurship support through the Economic Inclusion program.

Baxnaano Impact On Economic Inclusion

Through an integrated package of soft skills and technical training, entrepreneurship support, start-up grants, and continuous mentorship, the Baxnaano Economic Inclusion Window empowers beneficiaries to access employment opportunities or establish sustainable businesses, fostering active participation in Somalia’s labor market.

The program enhances financial independence, promotes gender equality and social inclusion, and bridges the gap between social protection and economic opportunity creating lasting pathways for resilience, dignity, and shared prosperity across both urban and rural communities.

Two Tracks, One Goal - Economic Empowerment

The Economic Inclusion Window offers tailored support through two complementary tracks:

Skills Development Track

Prepares participants for the job market through:

Socio-emotional and soft skills training.
Technical skills delivered via work-based learning and apprenticeships.
Monthly stipends to reduce dropout risk and financial pressure.

Entrepreneurship Track

Supports aspiring entrepreneurs with:

Entrepreneurship and financial literacy training.
Start-up grants disbursed in two tranches.
Business Development Services (BDS), mentorship, and follow-up support.

Both tracks are designed to help youth transition from dependence to economic independence, fostering confidence, skills, and sustainability.

Who We Serve

The program targets youth aged 18–35, prioritizing:

Women and persons with disabilities.
Economically vulnerable or unemployed individuals.
Residents in target areas willing to engage in training or business development.

Targeting is data-driven, using socioeconomic profiling, digital registration, and geo-tagging to ensure fairness and transparency.

An Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT) is administered to assess applicants’ readiness for business and determine the most suitable pathway — training or entrepreneurship.

Implementation Journey: From Enrollment to Empowerment

The Economic Inclusion Pilot is currently underway in Banaadir region, with core activities implemented through the Buruuj Technical Training Institute and coordinated via Economic Inclusion Centers that serve as local facilitation hubs for registration, orientation, and mentorship.
As of October 2025, over 1,000 beneficiaries have been enrolled and commenced socio-emotional and soft skills training, alongside technical courses such as mobile phone diagnostics and repair. Regular visits by MoLSA officials ensure program quality, accountability, and alignment with national standards.

How the Process Works

Expression of Interest: outh apply through outreach drives, SMS platforms, or community facilitators.
Screening & Assessment: Eligibility is verified using socioeconomic data and community validation to ensure fairness.
Orientation & Enrolment:Participants receive their program ID, training schedules, and stipend information.
Training or Business Support: Beneficiaries engage in technical or entrepreneurship training, depending on their selected track.
Financial Support: Grants and stipends are disbursed digitally in two tranches, linked to verified milestones.
Monitoring & Mentorship: Continuous coaching and data tracking help measure progress and address challenges early.
Exit & Graduation: Participants graduate upon confirmed employment or establishment of their business, transitioning to economic independence.

Our Impact In Numbers

Stories of Change

Baxnaano helped me acquire skills in business development and entrepreneurship. The training has helped how to be creative and how to manage a business.

Hibo Nuur Ahmed–

Jubaland

I learnt how to fix home appliances in the Baxnaano program. I beleive that I will be a productive person who can serve the community and provide a better life for my family.

Abdi Hiloolwe Adan

Deynile

Baxnaano transformed mu life through trainingd. Through graphic design course I gained proffesional design and entepreneurship skills and syatyed earning commisions from my wor.

Naima Awil –

Mogadishu

Looking Ahead

Baxnaano’s Economic Inclusion Window is paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient Somali economy by expanding beyond the Banaadir pilot to additional regions. The next phase will deepen collaboration with the private sector, training institutions, and local governments to boost job creation and enterprise growth.

By strengthening targeting, monitoring, digital payment systems, and communication outreach, the program aims to ensure equitable access and sustained impact.
Through continued investment in skills, innovation, and inclusion, Baxnaano is empowering youth, women, and persons with disabilities to participate fully and productively in Somalia’s economic transformation.

FAQS

What is the Economic Inclusion Window of the Baxnaano Program?

It is a labor market support program aimed at helping poor and vulnerable youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) improve their employment and entrepreneurship opportunities through skills training, business support, and mentorship.

Who is eligible to participate in the program?

Eligible participants are unemployed or underemployed youth (typically 18–35 years), women, and PWDs living in urban and rural districts in Banadir.

What support does the program provide?

The program offers:
Socio-emotional and soft skills training
Technical skills through work-based learning
Entrepreneurship support, including grants and business development services
Monthly stipends during participation
Mentoring and coaching

How can I apply to join the program?

You can apply through:

Hormuud Foundation
Community meetings and awareness campaigns
Local Economic Inclusion Centers
Outreach activities led by community facilitators

What is the Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT)?

The EAT is a simple test used to assess your readiness for starting and running a business. It helps the program determine whether you're better suited for the business support track or skills training.

What happens after I register?

You will go through:

Eligibility screening
Socioeconomic assessment
Orientation sessions
Selection into the most suitable support trackOnce enrolled, you will receive a schedule for your activities and information about your benefits.

How are grants and stipends given?

Grants and stipends are transferred through secure mobile money platforms in two or more tranches. You must meet specific conditions, such as submitting a business plan or attending training, to receive each tranche.

What should I do if I have a complaint or issue?

You can use the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), which includes:

Toll-free helplines
SMS complaint channels
In-person support at Economic Inclusion Centers
All concerns will be recorded, tracked, and addressed promptly.

Can I join if I already have a small business?

Yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria and pass the EAT, you may qualify for business development services and support to expand your existing business.

Will I receive a certificate after training?

Yes. Participants who successfully complete the skills training or business development track will receive a certificate of completion, which may help with future employment or business opportunities.