
Empowering Youth to Lead and Innovate
8+
Years of Impact
Empowering Somali youth and women since 2016, fostering leadership and driving sustainable development.
5k+
Youth Empowered
We have supported and trained over 500 young leaders across Somalia through our programs and initiatives
90%
Community Engagement
Our efforts have led to a 90% engagement rate, reflecting the trust and participation of youth and communities in our initiatives.

About US
The YALI RLC EA Alumni Chapter of Somalia is a network of young leaders dedicated to empowering young Somalis and women to become catalysts for positive change in their communities.
We are a community of young leaders who have graduated from the USAID-funded Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) program, specifically the YALI Regional Leadership Center (RLC) East Africa. YALI was launched by the United States government as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive meaningful change across the continent. Our chapter, established in 2016, is a registered non-profit organization under the Somali government. Our mission is to empower Somali youth and women to step into leadership roles and actively contribute to the country’s sustainable development thorought leadership development, entrepreneurship, climate action, and peacebuilding.
Our Mission and Impact

Inspiring Leadership
We empower Somali youth and women to become impactful leaders by providing the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to drive positive change in their communities.

Fostering Innovation and Sustainability
Through entrepreneurship support, we help young people create sustainable solutions that tackle challenges like unemployment, climate change, and economic growth.

Promoting Peace and Climate Action
We unite youth in promoting peace and resilience, while also taking bold steps to address climate change and build a sustainable future for Somalia
Meet our Execitive Committee

Chairperson, Abdullahi Adeid

Vice Chair, Abdirabi Mohamed

Events Chair, Bilan Hersi

Partinerships Chair, Abdikarem Mohamed
Latest Activities

YALI ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
Our alumni engaged in key discussions with U.S. Ambassador Riley reflecting on the U.S.-Somalia relationship and his extensive diplomatic career

YALI SOMALIA AT 2024 YALI EXPO
YALI Somalia delegates participated at the 2024 YALI Alumni Expo and Trade Show (YALI Expo), a USAID funded event happaned in Cape Town, South Africa!

YALI SOMALIA CHAPTER LEADERS VISIT NAIROBI
Chapter leaders and some of the Alumni who were in Nairobi Kenya attended a dinner meeting at the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa to honor the participants of #Cohort59.

ENGAGEMENT WITH U.S. Embassy Somalia
The Alumni Chapter of Somalia engaged with the U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, H.E. Amb. Riley and other Embassy officials including the new public Affairs officer Christy Watkins.

YALI GIVING DAY SUCCESS
We proudly participated in YALI Giving Day, securing donations for our Youth for Inclusive Peace project. These contributions will help us empower Somali youth with the ………
Main Projects

Pre-COP29 Workshops for Somali Youth
In collaboration with United Beyond Borders (UBB) and the Puntland Sustainable Agrilivestock Network (PUSAN), we successfully trained over 30 Somali youth……………..

YALI Giving Day ( Peacebuilding Project)
The YALI RLC EA Alumni Chapter of Somalia proudly participated in the “YALI Giving Day Event,” a landmark initiative aimed at securing funding for our flagship project,……………

Leadership Strategies Training for Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes
YALI Somalia successfully conducted a training session focused on “Leadership Strategies for Promoting Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes for Youth-Led Peace Initiatives.” ….

Strategic Youth Leadership Training Program
The YALI Somalia Chapter, in collaboration with HATRiC Institute, has successfully implemented the Strategic Youth Leadership Training Program, equipping……………..

Generate Your Business Idea (GYB) Program
The YALI Somalia Chapter, in collaboration with HATRiC Institute and Benadir University Innovation Hub, successfully implemented the ‘Generate Your Business……………….

Tree Planting Campaigns
In celebration of World Environment Day 2024, the YALI Somalia Chapter organized impactful Tree Planting Campaigns in collaboration with high school and university students …….
Somali Youth Leadership on the Global Stage: Chairperson Abdullahi Adeid at COP29 in Baku
We are proud to celebrate the leadership of Chairperson Abdullahi Adeid, who represented the YALI Somalia Alumni Chapter at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
PARTENERS & SPONSERS









Exclusive Interview: USAID Mission Director David Gosney with Bilan Hirsi
Catch the inspiring conversation between David Gosney, USAID Mission Director for Kenya and East Africa, and Bilan Hirsi, Events and Networking Chair of YALI Alumni Somalia. They discuss youth leadership, empowerment, and the chapter’s impactful initiatives in Somalia.