By Asha Elmi - Reporter
DJIBOUTI, 9 October 2026 Djibouti has trained 1,648 young people through a World Bank-backed vocational programme aimed at improving employment opportunities, but only about 10 participants have found jobs so far, Djibouti Radio and Television (RTD) reported on Thursday, 8 October.
The Skills Project, implemented by the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training with support from the World Bank, offers short, practical courses designed to equip young people with skills relevant to the labour market, according to RTD.
The programme targets people aged 18 to 35 who are seeking employment, with particular attention to women, vulnerable young people, refugees and people with disabilities.
RTD reported that the Directorate General of Vocational Training had received 4,884 applications since the programme began, indicating strong demand for vocational education.
Training covers construction-related trades, including aluminium carpentry, tiling, electrical installation and plumbing, as well as hospitality, transport and logistics, graphic design and renewable energy.
According to RTD, 428 young people have received training in construction-related fields, while more than 300 have completed training or received additional instruction for category C and E driving licences. More than 189 young men and women have also benefited from forklift training.
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The programme has also reached refugee communities in the Ali Addeh, Holl-Holl and Markazi camps, offering courses in computer skills, French, sewing and embroidery.
The project aims to translate vocational training into employment and income-generating opportunities. A follow-up unit is planned within the Directorate General of Vocational Training to help graduates find jobs, RTD reported, citing a project representative.
The representative acknowledged that the number of trainees who had found employment remained low compared with the total trained, but said each successful placement represented progress in tackling unemployment.
The World Bank said the project was intended to align vocational training more closely with employers’ needs and expand access to economic opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
The initiative is also seeking to strengthen links with the private sector and adapt training programmes to better reflect the needs of Djibouti’s economy, according to RTD.
The programme’s longer-term impact will depend on its ability to help graduates secure sustainable employment or establish viable income-generating activities.