Empowering workers and their organizations for a just transition towards sustainable livelihoods and a resilient future in the Somali charcoal industry

Somalia faces significant challenges including high poverty rates and vulnerability to natural disasters. The charcoal industry is one of the primary sources of energy, exports and employment in the country. Despite a ban since 2012, this sector continues to contribute to deforestation and environmental degradation, exacerbating poverty and food insecurity. Aligning with Somalia's National Determined Contributions (NDCs 2021-2030) and development frameworks, this intervention aims to bolster the capacity of ILO constituents, particularly the Federation of Somalia Trade Unions (FESTU) and its affiliates, to advocate for workers' rights in the charcoal industry, promote fair working conditions, and explore alternative livelihood opportunities to charcoal production, addressing both domestic and export demands. This will complement efforts to reduce charcoal dependence sustainably and to foster inclusive economic growth supported by the United Nation's Programme for Sustainable Charcoal Reduction and Alternative Livelihoods (PROSCAL) Phase II. Activities are implemented across Mogadishu and Somalia's federal member states. The institutional beneficiaries include ILO constituents, with FESTU leading the initiative, alongside the Somali National Tripartite Consultative Council (SNTCC), the Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

Project symbol

SOM/24/01/RBS

Admin unit

CO-Addis Ababa

Start date

01/06/2024

End date

31/07/2026

Total allocation

343080

Total expenditure

Status

Active

163881

Development Partners

Core voluntary funds (RBSA)

Country/Countries

Somalia

Outcomes

Outcome 3: Full and productive employment for just transitions
Outcome 2: Strong, representative and influential tripartite constituents and effective social dialogue