Dear Somali Youth,
Federal Republic of Somalia is a nation with immense potential, and its greatest asset is its young population. With nearly 70 percent of the country’s citizens under the age of 30, you represent the driving force behind Somalia’s future. According to the United Nations, Somalia has one of the highest proportions of youth in the world, a demographic advantage that, if harnessed correctly, can transform the nation into a powerhouse of innovation, development, and stability.
In many parts of the developed world, populations and governments are struggling with aging populations and declining labor forces. The global youth population, according to the United Nations, is projected to reach 1.3 billion by 2030, making up 16% of the total global population. However, Somalia is blessed with the advantage of youth—dynamic, energetic, and capable of shaping a brighter tomorrow.
The question is not about how blessed we are, but how will you use this opportunity?
But to do that, youth must make a choice. Will you focus on division and identity debates, or will you focus on growth and growing the nation? Will you waste time on disruptive clan politics, or will you invest in the future of the nation?
Too many young people are trapped in a cycle of tribalism—defending old rivalries that have done nothing apart from further destroying our country and derailing the nation’s progress.
Tribalism is primitive. It is outdated. It belongs in the past. It is the reason that led to Somalia’s collapse. It is the reason we have suffered decades of war, displacement, and underdevelopment.
It is the reason our people remain divided when they should be united. Tribalism does not put food on your table. It does not give you a job. It does not build schools, hospitals, or businesses. All it does is keep us fighting while the rest of the world moves forward.
Look at your peers across Africa. In Kenya, Gen Z is acting as a force for change, refusing to accept the status quo. Young Kenyans, overlooking their different tribal identities, are leading protests against corruption and poor governance, advocating for transparency and accountability. They are using social media to challenge outdated leadership and mobilize for real change. They are not waiting for opportunities; they are creating them.
They are building tech startups, shaping the creative industry, and pushing for innovation in agriculture, business, and governance. For example, Kenya’s Silicon Savannah has produced globally recognized startups such as M-Pesa and Twiga Foods, providing solutions to everyday challenges. Similarly, Nigeria’s young tech entrepreneurs have built fintech firms like Flutterwave, a billion-dollar company transforming digital payments across Africa.
Meanwhile, too many Somali youth waste these same tools—social media and the internet, especially TikTok—by publishing toxic tribal content that is spreading hate and deepening divisions. Instead of using these platforms to learn, connect, and build, they engage in clan-based propaganda and useless debates that only harm our progress.
Imagine what we could achieve if Somali youth redirected their energy toward something meaningful—if they used their voices to advocate for education, economic development, and social change rather than fueling old conflicts.
Somalia does not need more division. It needs unity. It needs young people who think beyond clans and focus on real progress. It needs skilled professionals, business leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. It needs youth who can compete with their likeminded peers in Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and the rest of Africa, not just among themselves.
In Rwanda, youth-led innovation and resilience have played a crucial role in rebuilding a nation devastated by genocide. The country’s youth have contributed to an economic boom, leading Rwanda to become one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. This shows that even in the aftermath of extreme national crises, young people have the power to rebuild and redefine their nation’s future.
So, I ask you—what kind of future do you want? One where you remain stuck in the past? Or one where you rise, develop new skills, and take control of your destiny? The choice is yours. Somalia’s future is in your hands.
Reject division. Choose progress. Build skills, not barriers. Use the internet for knowledge, not for hate. Compete with the world, not with each other. It is time to rise.
Sincerely,
A Fellow Somali Who Believes in Your Potential
10 Comments
Thank you very much for your inspiration and advice for every Somali youth. This letter motivates not only me but every young woman and man who believes the future is in our hands and desires to make changes. Please come out and wake up from your sleeping room. Don’t trust a politician who finds his personal interest. The beautiful and prosperous future belongs to those who fight and advocate it.
Thank you once again Brother Alinor Abdi Osman
Waa wax wanaagsan
Good ideas
Really amazing, thanks my bro.
This is well articulated. I have seen many somali youth talking if tribal politics in the social media to an extent of even cursing and throwing wrath upon deceased somali leaders that were far much better than the politicians and leader in the last 3 decades.
Of all the root cause of this primitive and immature ideological, tribalistics and low-level minded topics are related to the level of illiteracy in the somali youth.
Somali Youth need education on every topic before uttering nonsense in the media.
I unanimously agree to the article of this young lad. It is a serious topic that needs a serious and fruit discussion.
Masha allaah mahadsanid sxb, waxa dhahday dadkeenna 70% 30 ayay ka yar yiihiin 35 in aad dhahdo ayaa fiicneed maadama dad badan oo aniga aaan ku jiro ay 30 dhaafeen kkkkkkkk
Intaa kadib wax fiican ayaa hadashay laakiin dadka ma wada aha prof Ali nor oo wax aqrisan karo dhibka ugu weyn ma aha kuwa fikirka fiican ee kuwa aad sheegtay ee soomaalida social media ku kala qeybiyo sidee lagu gaari karaa anaga oo og meesha ay warka ka bilaabayaan oo haddii ay rabaan ay dhahayaan Ali nor waa qabiilkee?
Good job sir! This speaks volumes. It is only in Africa where you will see a politician taking the future of the youth and they are been applauded by the youth themselves. The Somali youth needs to stand firm in the fight against corruption, division through Qabiiil. Let’s be united, for the future belongs to those who work are one.
The future of Somali Youth is in the hands of Gangs, Bigger Clan leaders, former war-lords, Trablism courts, Government officials.
This is one of the best open letters i have ever seen. Its what Somali intellectuals needs to do more to encourage the youth in the country and start a point of change for this nation.
This message could be clearer and benefitable if its translated into Somali language; same is advised yet still
Dhalinyarada Somaliyeed Af somaali ayay ku hadlaan afkooda kuso qor hadaad wax usheegayso aqoonyahan.