Fifteen young Somalis have secured an opportunity to earn a living after receiving motorcycles to work as delivery riders in Mogadishu under a youth employment initiative that allows them to repay the cost over one year without interest or additional profit.
The initiative, implemented by Hormuud Salaam Foundation in partnership with Rikaab delivery service, marks the fourth phase of a programme aimed at helping young people access employment and build sustainable sources of income.
Unlike conventional financing arrangements that may increase the amount borrowers must repay through interest or other charges, the programme requires the young riders to pay back the cost of their motorcycles over 12 months without additional profit being added.
The foundation said the arrangement reflects its priority of improving young people’s livelihoods while avoiding extra financial pressure on the beneficiaries.
The 15 beneficiaries will use the motorcycles to deliver goods through Rikaab, a transport and delivery platform operating in Mogadishu. The service connects customers with drivers and also facilitates food and goods deliveries.
By providing both motorcycles and access to delivery work, the initiative seeks to address two challenges facing young job seekers: access to the equipment needed to work and the availability of an income-generating opportunity.
Fourth phase builds on earlier programme
The latest distribution builds on three earlier phases through which other young people secured work with Rikaab, according to the programme announcement.
Hormuud Salaam Foundation, the charitable arm of Hormuud Telecom and Salaam Somali Bank, supports initiatives in employment creation, education, healthcare and community development.
Its partnership with Rikaab links financial support for work equipment with access to an established delivery service, giving the beneficiaries a defined route into the workforce.
Rikaab operates in Mogadishu and offers passenger transport alongside food and goods delivery. Customers can access the service through its mobile application or by calling the short code 7000.
The latest phase adds 15 riders to the delivery service as the two organisations continue their effort to create employment opportunities for young Somalis.