ILO-supported coworking hub is expanding opportunities for youth in Ethiopia

Jigjiga, ETHIOPIA (ILO News) –  In Jigjiga town, where access to affordable and reliable workspaces remains limited for young people, an ILO-supported coworking space housed within the Digital Innovation Hub of the Somali Regional State Innovation and Technology Bureau (SRSITB) is opening new pathways for young people to learn, collaborate, and pursue decent work opportunities.

While the Hub offers structured basic and advanced Digital Skills training, the coworking component ensures that learning does not end when training sessions finish. The facility provides a fully equipped working environment with access to computers, high-speed internet, and shared workspaces for both refugee and host community youth. The co-working space enables young people to collaborate, innovate, and engage in digital activities for self-employment and wage employment.

For Saalah Abdi Ismail, 24, from the host community in Jigjiga, the Digital Innovation Hub - especially its coworking space - has been instrumental in shaping his future. Saalah enrolled in the digital skills training at the hub while studying Software Engineering at Jigjiga University (JJU).

“The training centre offered practical courses in graphic design, networking, website development and computer maintenance,” he says. “These are essential skills that I continue to use in my work today .”

After graduation, Saalah continues to use the coworking space. While Jigjiga has a limited number of private coworking facilities, he explains that cost and quality often restrict access.

He added, “This place is free . Here we have good internet, computers and a quiet space that allows us to focus on work.”

© ILO/Zelalem Alemenew Desta

© ILO/Zelalem Alemenew Desta

The co-working space also promotes youth employment by availing a co-shared space that enables young people work remotely and to promote digital startups. Since its inauguration in June 2025 as part of the Digital Innovation Hub, the coworking space has been used by over 850 young people from refugee and host communities, with 216 graduates completing training through the facility to date.

Rukia Abdirahaman Mohamed, 20, is a third-year Software Engineering student. After completing the ICT training at the Digital Innovation Hub, she continues to use the coworking space to practice what she has learned. “I encourage my friends to use the coworking space, and many of them have followed my advice,” Rukia says. “I am passionate about coding and dream of becoming a software engineer, starting my own business, and training others in digital skills. The training I received at the Digital Innovation Hub, together with access to the coworking space, is helping pave my path to employment.”

© ILO/Zelalem Alemenew Desta

© ILO/Zelalem Alemenew Desta

Local authorities see the coworking space as a strategic investment in youth employment and innovation. Mohamed Ali, Head of the SRSITB, noted, “The Digital Innovation Hub is a crucial investment for our young people and in the future of the Somali Regional State.”

He added, “The facility is playing a key role in implementing the 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative, a flagship programme led by the Government of Ethiopia, by providing training on digital skills and enabling young people, both from host and refugee communities, to turn training into real employment opportunities”.

Abdiaziz Abdiwahab, Director of Network Government Management and the Regional Data Centre at the SRSITB, underlines its importance. “There are many youths in Jigjiga with innovative ideas,” he noted. “In this digital era, if someone has a laptop, a working space, and internet access, they can do online jobs, develop websites or work with private companies.”

He added that the coworking space also serves those who do not own computers.

“Even if they do not have a laptop, there are desktop computers here. This helps young people increase their employability.”

Through the PROSPECTS programme, the ILO is investing in practical skills development that responds to labour‑market needs while creating real pathways to employment for young people. Initiatives like the Digital Innovation Hub and Coworking space provide youth with the skills and training and this coworking space ensures that training translates into opportunity. In long term they will contribute to local economic development.

These facilities are established with the financial support of the Government of the Netherlands as part of the PROSPECTS programme to strengthen digital skills and inclusion, foster innovation, and improve youth employability.