LG Electronics, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Elman Peace Centre have launched a strategic partnership focused on technical and vocational training, peacebuilding initiatives, and sustainable employment opportunities for Somali youth.

This initiative establishes an innovative public-private partnership model aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for Somali youth through advanced technical education and vocational training.

The partnership concentrates on developing youth capabilities in modern technical and professional fields that match current market needs, thereby enhancing social stability and supporting long-term economic development in communities impacted by conflict and humanitarian challenges.

This initiative builds on the successful model of the LG-KOICA Hope TVET College in Addis Ababa, which has become a leading regional center of excellence in technical training, drawing benchmarking visits from numerous international institutions.

Under this agreement, a modern technical training and service facility will be established at the Elman Peace Centre in Mogadishu, with support and coordination from UNDP and KOICA following international vocational and technical standards.

For knowledge transfer, an initial group of Somali trainers from the Elman Peace Centre will complete intensive qualification programs and receive specialized certifications at the Hope TVET College in Addis Ababa, then return to train Somali youth in electrical equipment servicing, ICT, networking, entrepreneurship, and essential life skills.

The initiative also seeks to connect graduates with the job market through organized job fairs, apprenticeship programs, and enterprise support for small and startup businesses, while establishing clear pathways for integration into LG’s existing distribution and service networks in Somalia.

UNDP Resident Representative in Somalia, Lionel Laurens, highlighted that this partnership is a strategic investment in the country’s future, stating that equipping young people with market-relevant skills directly enhances peace, stability, and sustainable development.

LG Ethiopia Branch Leader, Seunghwan Yang, affirmed that the company is dedicated to transferring its successful experience to Somalia, aiming to support young people, help them achieve self-reliance, and enable them to contribute effectively to national development.

Elman Peace Centre Chief Operating Officer, Ilwad Elman, noted that the initiative extends beyond traditional vocational training by establishing sustainable local systems, technical standards, and expertise that can effectively integrate Somali youth into the future economy.

KOICA Country Director, Wankyu Park, described the project as an exemplary model of cross-sectoral collaboration among the UN, private sector, and civil society, expressing confidence that it will create meaningful opportunities for Somali youth while strengthening positive bilateral partnerships between Korean and Somali stakeholders.

This development reflects an international trend of investing in Somali youth as a foundation for stability, serving as a model for how international institutions, private enterprises, and civil society can collaboratively build resilience and unlock economic opportunities throughout Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

This multilateral partnership aligns with Somalia’s transition toward long-term developmental sustainability. Involving a major global private sector partner in vocational training and employment represents a significant shift from emergency humanitarian relief to structured, sustainable empowerment. This collaborative approach directly addresses the root causes of socio-economic fragility, creating a new generation of skilled Somali professionals prepared to lead the country’s digital and technical modernization in line with international standards.