Coding the Future — Connecting Somaliland’s Youth to the Digital World
Somaliland has one of the youngest populations in the world, and its young people are hungry for opportunity. Technology is the great equalizer of our time, and our Youth Technology and Innovation workstream exists to make sure that Somaliland’s youth are not left behind in the global digital economy. We believe that every young person in Somaliland deserves access to the tools and skills that can transform their future.
Our programs introduce young people to coding, computer literacy, digital entrepreneurship, and technology-based problem-solving. We establish computer labs, run after-school tech clubs, and host innovation camps and hackathons where young Somalilanders can build real solutions to real problems in their communities. These experiences spark creativity, build confidence, and open doors to careers that would otherwise remain out of reach.
We also connect Somaliland’s youth with mentors from the Somaliland-American diaspora who work in technology, engineering, and business. Representation matters enormously — when a teenager in Hargeisa sees someone who looks like them succeeding in Silicon Valley or New York, they begin to believe that the same future is possible for them. Our mentorship pipeline bridges the gap between ambition and opportunity.
Digital literacy training is another key focus of our work. Being able to navigate the internet safely, communicate professionally online, and use productivity tools is now a fundamental life skill. We bring these foundational skills to youth in both urban centers and rural areas, ensuring that geography does not determine destiny.
Looking ahead, we envision Somaliland as a region that not only consumes technology but also creates it. By nurturing a generation of innovators, software developers, and tech entrepreneurs, we are planting seeds for a knowledge economy that will serve Somaliland for decades. The future of Somaliland is being coded right now, and our youth will write it.