Virtual Capacity Development Session for MoCT Somalia by a2i programme
A capacity development session was arranged by the a2i programme in collaboration with UNDP Somalia on 26 February 2023. It was held virtually for respected officials of the Ministry of Communication and Technology (MoCT) of Somalia on effective use and data-driven decision-making from Shaqo Abuur platform. The ‘Shaqo Abuur’ (http://shaqoabuur.net/) platform in Somalia meaning “youth employment service” was introduced by the a2i program to UNDP Somalia and it is a replication of Bangladesh’s established National Intelligence for Skills, Education, Employment and Entrepreneurship (NISE) platform. NISE is a matchmaking platform among the unemployed youth, skills providers, and industries. Real-time data from NISE helps in data-driven decision-making for policymakers.
Shaqo Abuur has been published in good practices in South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development. The digital platform is successfully connecting young Somali job seekers, job sites, training institutions, government, industries, and academia with data intelligence and analytics. Shaqo Abuur creates a marketplace for youth and private sector companies.
Ms. Hodan Abdullahi, Head of Exploration, UNDP Somalia Accelerator Lab, delivered the opening and welcome remarks and emphasized how the platform is beneficial for the youth. Mr. Asad Uz Zaman, Strategy & Innovation Specialist of the a2i programme focused on the effective matchmaking role of youths and employers. Mr. Adbirahman Addow, Director of Training Institute at MoCT reflected upon bridging the gaps between the unemployed and the youth.
The participants learned how Shaqo Abuur creates a marketplace for youth and private sector companies and even reaches those in the regional and international diaspora interested in accessing the value-for-money Somali market of highly skilled professionals. A demonstration of the platform was elucidated elaborately. Moreover, how the digital ecosystem will be generated through the portal that will help the Ministry with data-driven decision-making and how the platform connects with young Somali job seekers, job sites, government, industries, and academia with data intelligence and analytics were also conferred.
