Somalia Seeks Youth and Sports Boost in Talks with Azerbaijan

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BAKU: Somalia is positioning itself to strengthen youth development and sports performance through new cooperation talks with Azerbaijan, following high-level meetings led by Youth and Sports Minister Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali in Baku.

Ali met Azerbaijan’s Youth and Sports Minister Farid Gayibov to discuss targeted support that could help Somalia build stronger youth policies, expand training opportunities and raise the standards of Somali athletes competing regionally and internationally.

Somalia is looking to tap into Azerbaijan’s experience in sports infrastructure, athlete development and youth programming. Officials said the discussions covered technical assistance, coaching programmes, and pathways for Somali youth to access advanced training, which could help improve competitiveness in athletics and create more opportunities for young people at home.

The talks also explored cultural and youth exchanges aimed at broadening skills and exposure for Somali youth. According to Somali officials, these initiatives are expected to support the government’s wider agenda of empowering the country’s rapidly growing youth population.

The visit is expected to lead to a formal cooperation agreement, setting the stage for long-term support that Somali authorities say could help modernise the sector and deliver lasting benefits to young people across the country.