Introduction
Sagaljet, the first and largest digital printing company in Somaliland and the Horn of Africa, was founded in Hargeisa in 2007. It began with a single printing center but has since expanded to operate facilities across all regions of Somaliland, as well as in Djibouti, the UAE, and in collaboration with sister companies such as Signjet in Mogadishu and Horyaaljet in Garowe.
Sagaljet is renowned for its high-quality printing services, ranging from business cards to 3D materials and billboards, with a focus on creativity and customer satisfaction. The company supports businesses in Somaliland by providing robust advertising solutions, such as the “Showcase Your Business on Billboards” program, which boosts economic growth.
Abdi Yusuf Aar, the chairman of the company, has described Sagaljet as a “partnership for growth,” having employed hundreds of young people. Sagaljet plays a vital role in job creation for the youth of Somaliland and the Horn of Africa, encouraging innovation, hard work, and community development.
Comparison of Youth Job Creation: 2005 vs. 2025
In 2005 (Before the Establishment of Sagaljet):
The job creation situation for youth in Somaliland was extremely poor. According to reports from the Somaliland National Development Plan, the unemployment rate among youth (ages 15-29) was 75%, exceeding the national average of 61.5% in urban areas and 40.7% in rural areas. Youth, who make up 65-70% of Somaliland’s 3.5 million population, previously faced very limited job opportunities, leading to dangerous paths such as migration (e.g., taariib), drug use, and social problems.
A 2010 study by SONYO found that out of 800 surveyed individuals, only 25% were employed, with a lack of skills and training identified as the primary barrier.
Today – 2025: The situation has improved, though challenges remain. According to the World Bank, youth unemployment in Somaliland has decreased to 65%, thanks to programs like Shaqodoon and Oxfam, which provide ICT and digital skills training. Companies like Sagaljet have also played a significant role in job creation and access to employment opportunities for young people, employing over 300 individuals, 95% of whom are under 30. Sagaljet has created specific job opportunities for university graduates, further enhancing job creation.
Key Comparison:
- 2005: 75% youth unemployment, very few job opportunities, and significant social risks.
- 2025: Unemployment reduced to 65%, increased training and private sector jobs, including Sagaljet employing over 300 young people, reflecting a 10-15% improvement in job creation.
The Importance of Sagaljet Chairman Abdi Yusuf Aar’s Innovation
Without the innovation and vision of Abdi Yusuf Aar, the Chairman of Sagaljet, the educational, economic, and livelihood development of Somaliland’s youth would not have been as achievable as it is today. Mr. Aar possesses a visionary approach focused on youth and community development. As stated in reports, “Sagaljet is the beacon of hope for Somaliland’s youth,” with 95% of its employees being young individuals with new skills such as digital design.
His idea to create jobs for between 300 and 3,000 employees within 10 years, along with expanding across the Horn of Africa, provides youth with job opportunities, training, and professional development. For example, Sagaljet has invested in modern technology to meet customer needs, creating new jobs. It has also supported community programs such as drought water funding and youth competitions, which have enhanced education (training), economic growth (jobs), and livelihood (motivation). Without this vision, the 75% unemployment rate of 2005 might have persisted, or at best, only minimal progress and development would have been observed.
What Other Companies Can Learn from Sagaljet
Other private companies, both generally and specifically in Somaliland and the Horn of Africa, can benefit from Sagaljet’s systems to enhance youth job creation:
- Investment in Skills Training: Companies can establish training programs in digital skills and design, similar to Sagaljet’s approach, to equip youth with employable skills.
- Partnerships for Growth: Collaborating with local and international organizations, as Sagaljet has done, can expand job opportunities and resources.
- Community Engagement: Supporting community initiatives, such as education and social programs, can build a skilled and motivated workforce, mirroring Sagaljet’s efforts.
- Innovation and Technology: Adopting cutting-edge technology to create new job categories can address unemployment, a strategy Sagaljet has successfully implemented.
- Focus on Youth Employment: Prioritizing the hiring of young graduates and providing career development opportunities can reduce unemployment rates, as demonstrated by Sagaljet’s 95% youth employment rate.
By adopting these strategies, other companies can contribute to reducing the Horn of Africa region’s youth unemployment rate, and foster sustainable economic growth in Somaliland and the Horn of Africa.
Training and Skill Development
Sagaljet provides training in advanced fields that enhance professional knowledge, including emerging global areas such as digital design and creativity, among others. Other companies can learn from this approach to employ more youth, especially university graduates. For instance, 95% of Sagaljet’s workforce consists of young people, demonstrating that training can reduce the 65% unemployment rate.
Expansion
Sagaljet operates centers in Djibouti and the UAE, highlighting the importance of collaboration and market expansion to maximize job opportunities for youth. Other companies can adopt programs like “Illuminate the Night” for billboards to enhance their business advertising.
Social Responsibility and Community Engagement
Sagaljet funds programs such as drought water initiatives and youth competitions, which other companies can emulate to gain community support and funding. This system could help reduce overall unemployment across the Horn of Africa.
The Sagaljet Annual Festival and Its Role in Growth
The Sagaljet annual event, known as the “Sagaljet Gala Awards,” plays a significant role in promoting job creation and motivating youth. In 2024, held in Hargeisa, the event recognized outstanding employees and community contributors, celebrating years of success and the company’s professional growth. Abdi Yusuf Aar described the event as the “week of celebration” for employees, inspiring the 300 staff members and other young people. During a previous event, Chairman Abdi pledged to increase the workforce beyond 300 young individuals, with a goal of creating 3,000 new jobs within 10 years.
Its Role Includes:
- Growth: It uplifts employees, reducing unemployment by fostering job motivation.
- Motivation: It supports youth programs such as marathons and football, which have created new jobs. The anniversary event boosts staff morale and job creation, standing out as one of the most significant annual programs in the Horn of Africa.
Conclusion
Sagaljet is not just a printing company but a beacon of innovation for the youth of Somaliland and the Horn of Africa. By employing over 300 young people, it demonstrates how the founder, Mr. Aar’s creativity, has transformed the 75% unemployment rate of 2005 into today’s progress. Other companies should follow its model to create job opportunities and motivate youth.
Forward-Looking Vision
Sagaljet will continue to be a beacon of hope for youth, promoting job creation and community development.