Djibouti President Celebrates National and African Youth Day

Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh recently presided over a ceremony at the People's Palace to commemorate National and African Youth Day. The event was attended by First Lady Khadra Mahamoud Haid, Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, and several government officials, diplomats, and representatives from national institutions. The celebration's theme this year was "From Skills to Self-Employment".

The President emphasized the government's commitment to continuing its efforts to promote economic empowerment for young people. This includes developing financing mechanisms, providing support and guidance, and encouraging entrepreneurial initiatives. He stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for young people to turn their ideas and skills into productive and sustainable projects.

President Guelleh highlighted the need for the government to work towards converting economic growth into real job opportunities and promising future prospects for young people. He emphasized the importance of attracting investments, diversifying economic activities, and aligning training and education programs with labor market requirements. The President also called for expanding support and accompaniment programs to ensure equal opportunities for all young people.

The President acknowledged the importance of integrating young people working in the informal sector into the organized economy. This can be achieved by simplifying administrative procedures, facilitating access to financing sources, and adopting incentive measures to help them develop their activities and transform them into sustainable economic institutions.

During the ceremony, three successful young models were honored for achieving financial independence and developing their professional activities through self-reliance and perseverance. The awardees included Yakob Ahmed Ali, Khadija Borhan, and Ahmed Noor Mohamed. A fourth individual, Mariam Mohamed Ahmed, received an encouragement award for her efforts to revive her business after a long medical treatment period in Egypt.

The National and African Youth Day celebrations reflect the government's commitment to making young people a key partner in the country's development journey. The government aims to support individual and collective initiatives, expand training and employment opportunities, and promote a culture of entrepreneurship and self-employment. This will enable young people to transition from acquiring skills to becoming producers, entrepreneurs, and economically independent.

The event featured various activities, including speeches, workshops, and discussions, as well as entertainment segments that highlighted the importance of investing in youth and promoting their role in driving economic and social development. The celebrations demonstrated the government's dedication to empowering young people and promoting their participation in the country's development.

Key points

• President Ismail Omar Guelleh emphasizes government's commitment to empowering youth and promoting entrepreneurship.
• Three young individuals honored for achieving financial independence and developing their professional activities.
• Government aims to integrate young people working in informal sector into organized economy.