Competencies Over Degrees: A Paradigm Shift in Education and Employment in Post-Conflict Somalia

This essay examines the growing importance of practical skills over formal ac¬ademic degrees, with a focus on Somalia’s post-conflict context. It highlights how vocational and technical training (TVET) supports youth employment, economic recovery, and social reintegration, particularly in sectors such as construction, fisheries, and ICT. Drawing on global evidence and Somali case studies, the chapter underscores the role of competencies, con¬tinuous learning, entrepreneurship, and soft skills in promoting stability. It also emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships and international support to bridge gaps be¬tween education and labor market needs, concluding that integrating competency-based edu¬cation into national reconstruction strategies is crucial for sustainable peace and development.