Jamila Hagi, the National Coordinator for UNIDO Somalia, expressed her honor in attending the Entrepreneurs and Professionals Summit: Awards & Expo on 27 August 2024, an event dedicated to empowering Somali youth with essential skills and opportunities for job creation. As a key guest, Jamila emphasized the importance of nurturing Somali youth’s entrepreneurial and professional potential, underscoring how pivotal it is for the country’s socio-economic development.

During her speech, Jamila highlighted that the summit plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between youth talent and opportunities, particularly in a context where young people are eager but often lack the resources needed to translate their ideas into action. She lauded the summit’s efforts in providing a platform for Somali youth to showcase their innovation and creativity while connecting them with mentors, investors, and like-minded professionals. “By empowering Somali youth today, we are shaping the innovators and job creators of tomorrow,” she noted.

She praised Jamhuriya Incubation Center (JIC) for its dedication to fostering a generation of entrepreneurs by offering tailored training and business development support. She expressed her admiration for the center’s commitment to ensuring that young people not only acquire the necessary skills but also gain access to networks and resources that are essential for starting and scaling businesses. “I’m confident that with the right support, Somali youth can transform the economy and create sustainable jobs,” Jamila added.

As the summit concluded, Jamila reaffirmed UNIDO Somalia’s commitment to working with local partners like JIC and Jamhuriya University to continue offering opportunities that empower youth. She called on the private sector, government, and international organizations to play an active role in supporting young entrepreneurs, noting that investing in youth is the key to unlocking Somalia’s economic future. She encouraged the youth to seize the opportunities presented by the summit and to continue striving for excellence in their entrepreneurial journeys.